Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 9 Dec 1999

Vol. 512 No. 5

Written Answers. - Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Liz McManus

Question:

23 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the plans, if any, he has to further promote the REP scheme in view of the fact that the income of farmers who have participated in the scheme has increased significantly and taking into account the cost of pollution controls; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26465/99]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development

(Mr. Walsh): The rural environment protection scheme which was introduced in 1994 plays a vital role in the promotion of sustainable agriculture through fostering environmentally friendly farming practices, while at the same time enhancing farm viability.

REPS now plays a pivotal role in the promotion of sustainable agriculture by supporting the production of quality food in an extensive and environmentally friendly manner, while at the same time protecting wildlife habitats and endangered species of flora and fauna. In return for farming in accordance with the scheme guidelines participants are paid compensation over a five year period. To date in excess of £430 million has been paid to farmers participating in the scheme and this significant contribution to farm incomes is a major factor in maintaining the viability of farm units. At present, there are 44,000 farmers participating which indicates a very high of interest in the measure.

While the scheme has enhanced family farm income the evaluation report furnished to the EU Commission in July established that while family farm incomes inclusive of the REPS payments are 13% higher than an extensive non-REP scheme farm they remain 4% lower than the national average family farm income. The evaluation has also showed that family farm income per hectare on REP Scheme farms when the REPS payments are included increased significantly since 1994.

For the period 2000-06, I have secured total funding of 1.5 billion for REPS. This compares with expenditure of £430 million under the current REP scheme since its introduction in 1994. Proposals for a new REP scheme will be included in the rural development plan which my Department will be submitting to the European Commission before the end of this year.

I will be pressing for the earliest introduction of the new REPS and am planning the widest publicity and promotion of the measure when I secure EU agreement. This will include briefing of local Department staff as well as Teagasc and the approved planners. I will also be considering holding regional seminars to appraise farmers of the new REPS.