Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 312: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when guidelines will issue on the way applications to REP scheme plans that cannot be progressed due to the biodiversity check coming under query, may be progressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3963/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007–13 and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before the first payments issue. Payments have issued to applicants whose applications cleared the administrative checks. However, queries arose on a significant number of applications in the course of the administrative checks, including queries relating to biodiversity issues. The Department is continuing to process such applications with a view to payment as soon as possible. In cases where outstanding issues can not be resolved by further review and detailed examination, the applications will be returned to the applicant requesting that an amended plan be submitted. Payment will issue without delay on receipt of the amended plans.