Vol. 458 No. 2
162 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will allow commonages occupied by farmers who do not have clear title to have them taken into account for the purposes of the rural environment protection scheme, similar to headage and premium schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16887/95]
The rural environment protection scheme, REPS, is available to applicants who have lands owned or leased and who commit themselves to farming in accordance with an agri environmental plan for the duration of their REPS contract i.e. for five years. Commonage lands are eligible under the scheme. Grazing rights, to which I expect the Deputy is referring, are not currently eligible under REPS. I am aware that there are some areas of land to which individual farmers have established grazing rights and my Department is currently examining the position with a view to having these areas included as eligible under REPS.
