Vol. 483 No. 6
202 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the changes, if any, there have been in the regulation of the REPS in the second half of 1997; if so, the reasons for these changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21363/97]
The following are the dates and nature of the changes in the operation of REPS since 1 July this year:
July 1997 — Revision of REPS plans
An improved system for checking revisions of REPS plans was introduced which involved the provision of a detailed report from the planner in each case as to why the revision was necessary. September 1997 — Additional Lands in REPS As a result of an amendment to the detailed rules, new procedures were introduced which enabled farmers to receive payment on additional lands included in REPS subsequent to joining the scheme.
November 1997
The issue of commonage land has recently been reviewed. Applications containing commonage land must have ten acres of privately owned or leased land to qualify the commonage land for payment.
These changes have the aim of refining and improving the scheme while at the same time responding to audit and control demands.
