Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 7 Mar 2002

Vol. 550 No. 2

Written Answers. - Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

157 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the national average in relation to REPS penalties imposed on farmers; the average in relation to REP scheme penalties in the Galway region and for Connemara; the differences within the area of Connemara, in particular the difference between Maam Cross West and the rest of Connemara; if REP scheme inspectors have a high penalty average; if so, the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7575/02]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh):

Nationally, REPS payments to date amount to just over €1 billion and penalties amount to a little less than €14 million or just under 1.4% of total expenditure. In County Galway, penalties at €1.36 million amount to 1.17% of the total REPS payments of €116.5 million in the county. Payment or penalty data on a townland basis, or statistics on average penalties imposed by REPS inspectors, are not available.

With less than 1.4% of REPS payments being disallowed by way of penalties, it is clear that the vast majority of farmers are in compliance with the scheme. Penalties are applied in REPS where participants are not in compliance with the undertakings in the REPS plans which their planners have prepared in consultation with them. All REPS penalties can be appealed.