Vol. 499 No. 4
71 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if she has satisfied herself that the REP scheme measures are sufficient to meet national obligations under the Habitats Directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1039/99]
The rural environment protection scheme is an agri-environment scheme, administered by the Department of Agriculture and Food, designed to: (a) establish farming practices and controlled production methods which reflect the increasing concern with conservation, landscape protection and wider environmental problems; (b) protect wildlife habitats and endangered species of fauna and flora; and (c) produce quality food in an extensive and environmentally friendly manner. While the scheme was not designed to meet Ireland's obligations under the EU Habitats Directive, it is indeed a useful tool for implementing the necessary measures for habitat and species protection at farm level.
