Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 242: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will review his decision to exclude farmers whose REP scheme three contracts are completed after 17 May 2010 single farm payment deadline from the agricultural environmental option scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19556/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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REPS 3 was introduced under EU Regulations covering the Rural Development programming period 2000–2006 whereas the Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS) was introduced under the Regulations covering the current period, 2007–13. It is not legally possible under the regulations for a person to apply for AEOS while still participating in REPS 3 and I have no discretion in this matter.

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 243: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of farmers in County Clare participating in the REP scheme for 2009; the average REP scheme payment made in respect of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19563/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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There are currently 2,996 participants in REPS in County Clare with an average annual payment of €6,200.

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 244: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of applications received to date for inclusion in the new agri-environmental options scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19564/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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At close of business on Tuesday 11 May, 1,079 applications had been submitted to my Department's office at Johnstown Castle Estate in Wexford. I expect significant volumes of applications will be submitted over the coming days.