Brian Cowen
Question:14 Mr. Cowen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the EU commitment in relation to Ireland for the rural environment protection scheme for the next nine years. [8923/95]
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rural Environment Protection Scheme.
The rural environment protection scheme was approved by the Commission in May 1994. Participants joining the scheme undertake to follow an approved agri-environmental plan for a minimum of five years. A specific allocation has been agreed for Ireland up to 1997. Further allocations to meet any commitments entered into beyond that date will be decided when the budgets for 1998 and beyond are being decided.
Is the Minister saying there is a commitment for a REPS II programme beyond 1999?
I was not involved in those negotiations.
Answer the question.
Let us hear the Minister's reply without interruption.
I was not involved in negotiating this round of REPS funding. I understand that for all countries — the ESA scheme in Britain, the French scheme and so on — funding is only available up to 1997. I also understand that a commitment has been made that where contractual undertakings have been entered into, because the REPS is a five-year scheme, they will be honoured. I do not think there is any particular problem in this area. I look forward to concluding satisfactory negotiations on this matter at the appropriate time.
Despite the Minister's evasion, is it not the case that there will be more REPS money available up to 1999 and that his Department's Estimate is in the region of £450 million over the period of my question? That being the case, how are farmers to benefit from the £0.5 billion available under the REPS scheme when the Minister has suspended the control of farmyard pollution scheme? Is it not the case that since January the Minister has been aware that he does not have sufficient funding for the control of farmyard pollution scheme? He has arbitrarily suspended the scheme and there are over 9,000 people who will not be paid. How can he attend fairs in London and promote the green image of agriculture when he suspends willy nilly on-farm investment schemes and puts at risk over £0.5 billion of REPS money?
On the question of money and the £0.5 billion referred to by the Deputy, the amount of money agreed is £230 million up to 1997.
What is the thinking——
Deputy Cowen, you asked some questions, please listen to the replies.
The Minister will not answer.
I am confident we will secure funds up to 2004. The Deputy will be aware that Question No. 19 and other questions deal with the control of farmyard pollution and I will be happy to answer those questions at length.
Did the Minister say he has funds up to 2004?
I am trying to be helpful.