Mary Coughlan
Question:217 Miss Coughlan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when REP scheme applications currently with his Department will be dealt with and decisions made in this regard. [27527/98]
Written Answers. - Rural Environment Protection Scheme.
Each application for the rural environment protection scheme is considered in the context of compliance with the terms and conditions of the scheme. Applications for payment under the scheme are processed as quickly as possible.
Arrangements are being finalised to implement the new REPS measure for the conservation of NHAs and commonages. It has been necessary to revise the scheme document and the agri-environmental specifications to take account of the new measure. I expect application forms for the revised scheme will be available from my Department's farm development services offices shortly. I will be publishing details of the revised scheme when the new documents are available for circulation in the coming weeks.