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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 5 Mar 1997

Vol. 475 No. 8

Written Answers. - Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Joe Walsh

Question:

244 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the reason up to 60 participants in a recent REP scheme course are precluded from becoming REP scheme agents for two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6166/97]

I am concerned to upgrade the procedures relating to approved REPS planners in the light of experience in the operation of REPS over the last two to three years.

Existing approved planners are being subjected to increased scrutiny, while the experience of newly approved planners will be established over a period. Following completion of a two year period of satisfactory REPS planning, or submission to my Department of 50 satisfactory plans, newly approved planners will be registered as approved REPS Planning Agencies.

At that stage as well as preparing REPS plans, they will be authorised to oversee the preparation of REPS plans.

My Department will continue to monitor all aspects of REPS.

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