Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 22 Mar 2000

Vol. 516 No. 4

Written Answers. - Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Noel Ahern

Question:

72 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the situation in relation to the REP scheme; the rule changes which took place since end 1996, particularly in relation to the creation and removal of the ten acre rule and the joining of the REP scheme with commonage share; the dates on which the rule was introduced and removed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8418/00]

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

The REP scheme was amended on 10 December 1997 to include certain control measures in relation to the eligibility of commonage land. Payment on leased commonage land was no longer permitted under the scheme. Intending participants with owned commonage had to be farming a minimum of ten acres, four hectares, of privately held land, either owned or leased, to qualify for participation in the REP scheme.

The decision to introduce these changes was taken as a result of the submission of a significant number of REPS applications containing up to 100% leased commonage in order to qualify for or increase REPS payments.

The minimum requirement of ten acres was removed in July 1998 following the introduction of a new supplementary measure for the conservation of natural heritage. The new measure was designed to provide a comprehensive approach to the conservation and/or regeneration of designated target areas, that is, natural heritage areas, farmland based special areas of conservation, special protection areas, and commonages.