Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Nov 1999

Vol. 511 No. 3

Written Answers. - Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Andrew Boylan

Question:

160 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the plans, if any, he has to increase the maximum limit of a REP scheme payment from five years to six years; the level of payment which will be available to farmers in subsequent years to maintain farms to the standards achieved in the previous years during the REP scheme period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24389/99]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

Conditions for a new REP scheme will be included in the rural development plan to be submitted to the European Commission before the end of December 1999 in accordance with the terms of the new European Council Regulation on Support for Rural Development. The details of the new scheme including payment rates are being finalised and it is envisaged that the contract period of five years be retained.