Mary Coughlan
Question:43 Ms Coughlan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the timetable for the evaluation of the REP scheme under the EU regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13628/99]
Written Answers. - Rural Environment Protection Scheme.
The evaluation of the REP scheme will be completed by the end of June.
The purpose of this evaluation is to assess how the objectives of the scheme have been met to date, to assess the agricultural, socio-economic and environmental impact of the REP scheme and to provide practical recommendations for future modifications and improvements to the scheme.
Submissions have been received from concerned organisations including the Heritage Council, Birdwatch Ireland, Teagasc and the farming organisations. Independent studies have been commissioned on particular measures of the REP scheme under the auspices of Teagasc and the universities. Consultants have been engaged to consider the various inputs to the evaluation process and to put together a comprehensive and objective assessment of REP along with recommendations for the future scheme.