I propose to take Questions Nos. 501 and 520 together.
Where farmers in REPS acquire additional lands, they must have their agri-environmental plans amended and must comply with the Department's specifications on the extended holdings. It is not possible to facilitate REPS payment on the additional lands at present.
However, a proposal to provide for payment on additional lands acquired after joining REPS, subject, of course, to the 40 hectare maximum payment area is currently being considered by the European Commission. I am hopeful that the proposal will be approved in the near future.