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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 Mar 1997

Vol. 477 No. 1

Written Answers. - Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

63 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the number of farmers who benefited from the REP scheme in 1996; the average amount involved in each case; the number, if any, of cases in which works were found not to have been carried out in the requisite time following payment; the criteria which determine which penalty is levied for non-compliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6810/97]

Payments were approved in the REP scheme in 1996 in respect of over 18,200 cases. This figure consists of some 13,200 newly approved fist year participants, almost 5,000 second year participants and seven third year participants. The average amount of payment approved in each individual case in 1996 was approximately £3,600.

There were 380 REPS participants penalised in 1996 for failure to fulfil their undertakings as specified in their agri-environmental plans. There is a penalty schedule for non-compliance in REPS, and the level of penalty imposed varies in extent from 5 per cent to 100 per cent of the annual REPS payment. The penalty which was most frequently imposed was 10 per cent. Where, cumulatively, penalties exceed 50 per cent, any payments already made in respect of that year must be refunded.

Where a 100 per cent penalty applies, participation in the scheme is terminated. In addition, moneys already paid must be refunded and the applicant is debarred from rejoining the scheme for a period of two years from the date of disqualification.

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