The new REPS and early retirement schemes are included in Ireland's CAP rural development plan for the period 2000 to 2006. This plan, which also includes measures on compensatory allowances and forestry, was submitted to the European Commission at the end of December 1999.
Negotiations with the Commission began in March and are now in their final stage. Following the completion of these negotiations a standard formal procedure for approval of all plans has to take place and, by its nature, this exercise involves a considerable amount of detail and documentation. It is my objective to ensure that approval is forthcoming in the shortest possible time but it is too early at this stage to give any concrete dates for the likely commencement of the new REPS and early retirement scheme.