Vol. 464 No. 2
19 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the total amount drawn down by farmers under the REP scheme in 1995; the total amount actually spent on works; the average balance retained by farmers after the work has been carried out; whether that balance is subject to tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7740/96]
The actual expenditure under the REP scheme in 1995 was £29.56 million.
Payments under the scheme are related to the area farmed by the participant. The rate per hectare is derived from standard costings agreed by the Department with the EU Commission for the different measures to which the scheme applies. Farmers are required to carry out the works specified in their environmental plan and to retain records of having carried out such work;
There may also be additional payments in respect of a specified supplementary measure. Of course REPS payments are subject to tax and any cost incurred by participants is tax deductible in the normal course.
