Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 386: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if any money was offered or made available since 1997 by the EU to assist in paying compensation towards those who were adversely affected by the implementation and designations under the habitats directive; if funding was offered, the amount that was offered and the amount accepted by the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2560/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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2057EU funding has and continues to be provided through the Rural Development Programme, 2007-2013, which provides for a range of measures including payments in respect of designated areas under the Habitat Directive. Compensation for those who were adversely affected by the implementation and designations under the Habitats Directive is delivered as part of the Rural Environment protection Scheme and could be applied for on a voluntary basis. The total spend on the REPS scheme including this form of compensation since 1997 is €3.6 billion. The EU contribution is €2.2 approximately.