Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 52: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress that is being made on the REP scheme payments especially in counties Cavan and Monaghan; the number of payments that are still outstanding; when these outstanding files will be dealt with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21870/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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A total of 29,376 applications were received for participation in REPS 4 for payment in 2009. The acceptance of REPS 4 applications is governed by EU Regulations which require exhaustive administrative checks and on-the-spot inspections. In a significant number of the applications received, the administrative checks raised issues and queries which required further detailed examination. My Department's staff have been working to resolve these as quickly as possible. Many of these cases required the applicants' planners to amend the farm plans that were submitted originally. The applicants concerned were made aware of the position and the applications are being further processed without delay on receipt of amended plans. So far, 24,023 applicants have received full payment for 2009 and work is continuing to process the remainder as quickly as possible.

A total of 1,101 applications were received from Co Cavan of which 852 have been paid in full. A further 903 applications were received from Co Monaghan of which 765 have been paid in full. My Department is continuing to process the balances of 249 and 138 applications respectively with a view to payment as quickly as possible.