Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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548. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will introduce a scheme in 2014 to replace the REP scheme for small farmers in disadvantaged areas whose income will substantially reduce at the end of 2013 when their current term ends; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41117/13]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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While there are no plans to extend the current REPS 4 Scheme I am pleased to say that the revised CAP 2014 – 2020 gives priority to agri-environment schemes and requires that the new Rural Development Plan must include an agri-environment scheme. The process for the introduction of new schemes under the new CAP is well underway.

In view of the challenges we continue to face in terms of the public finances, and the requirement to balance competing needs both within the agricultural sector and in the economy as a whole, the government will give these matters careful consideration in the context of the funding requirements when the new Rural Development Fund 2014/2020