Vol. 473 No. 1
339 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if his Department will return the REP scheme plan in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim to the FDS office in Carrick-on-Shannon for approval. [24490/96]
The person concerned has applied for his second year payment under the REP scheme.
However, his agri-environmental plan was returned to his planner because it was deficient. A revised plan has been received and is currently under consideration. If found to be in order, payment will issue as soon as possible thereafter.
340 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will have arrangements made to have 20-hour courses for REP scheme applicants held at night and/or at weekends. [24553/96]
The grant aided REP scheme courses to which the Deputy refers, and which include farm visits, are an important part of REPS. My Department considers that the objectives of these courses and their effective monitoring by my Department are best achieved by day time tuition over a phased period.
342 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry when his Department will commence the payment of second instalments to first year REP scheme applicants. [24604/96]
Payment of the second instalments of first year payments are being made to applicants six months after the commencement date of their agri-environmental plans.
