Robert Molloy
Question:106 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the reason for the delay in approving a rural environmental protection scheme application lodged by a person (details supplied) in County Galway. [4038/97]
Written Answers. - Rural Environment Protection Scheme.
My Department has no record of an application under the REP scheme from the person concerned.
Joe Walsh
Question:107 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if his attention has been drawn to a recent newspaper article (details supplied) which stated that the European Commission was investigating the operation, by his Department, of the REP scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4039/97]
Joe Walsh
Question:112 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry when the last course for REP scheme planners was held; and when the next course will be organised by his Department. [4045/97]
I propose to take Parliamentary Questions Nos. 107 and 112 together.
The article in question is incorrect and is based on inaccurate comments about the operation of REPS.
The European Commission did not initiate an investigation into the operation of REPS but sought the views of my Department on representations by an MEP about a shortage of suitably qualified REPS planners. In reply, my Department indicated that there is no scarcity of planners.
Since the introduction of REPS in 1994 my Department has approved 243 planning agencies enabling approximately 900 planners to prepare agri-environmental plans under the scheme. There has been no complaint about any shortage of planners from either individual farmers or the farm organisations.
The last REPS appreciation course for potential planners was held on 10 and 11 October 1995 and as I indicated in reply to a parliamentary question on 22 January 1997, the next such course has been arranged for 19-21 February 1997.