Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Apr 2000

Vol. 517 No. 3

Written Answers. - Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Michael Ring

Question:

115 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the plans, if any, he has to adjust the rulings for REP scheme commonage framework plans to ensure that lands registered in 1999 and in future years are acceptable rather than accepting lands registered on area aid forms for the years 1997 and 1998 only; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9570/00]

The conditions relating to eligibility of commonage under supplementary measure A of REPS were agreed following detailed negotiation with the European Commission. It was agreed initially on the basis that application was made for area aid in 1997, and this was later extended to include applications for area aid in 1998. It is not envisaged that there will be further changes to these conditions for eligibility.

Michael Ring

Question:

116 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will accept leased commonage for the REP scheme as it is a legitimate farming practice for participation in the scheme; and if there will be full payment on these lands. [9571/00]

The conditions relating to the eligibility of commonage land under supplementary measure A of the REP scheme were formulated on the basis of the approval granted by the European Commission. In the negotiations leading to the introduction of this measure, the Commission specifically excluded leased commonage from eligibility for payment.

Michael Ring

Question:

117 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if dormant commonage shares, once registered, will be allowed to form part of REP scheme plans with full payment on same. [9572/00]

The position is that the conditions relating to eligibility of commonage under supplementary measure A of REPS were agreed following detailed negotiation with the EU Commission. Approval under this measure in the case of commonage land relates specifically to farmers owning and exercising farming rights over the land.

Michael Ring

Question:

118 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if lands purchased for the purpose of increasing a holding will be recognised for the REP scheme with full payment on same. [9573/00]

Where a REPS participant acquires additional land, either owned or leased, a new or amended plan may be submitted in accordance with the provisions of Regulation (EC) No. 746/96, as amended. The annual payment will be adjusted if and as appropriate at the commencement of the next full year.

Top
Share