Willie Penrose
Question:43 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the special area of conservation compensation package will be implemented and honoured in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5156/98]
Written Answers. - SAC Compensation Package.
A package of measures to compensate farmers whose lands have been designated special areas of conservation was agreed with the farm bodies, in February of last year, subject to the agreement of the European Commission. Compensation will be paid either through an improved REPS package, or through a national scheme administered by the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands.
Proposals on the revised REPS measures have been under negotiations with the European Commission. I am anxious to bring these negotiations to a speedy conclusion and I am hopeful that agreement will be reached shortly. The national scheme operated by the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands is in place though I understand that no payments have been made to date.