Vol. 522 No. 2
161 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath who has already undergone a period of suspension from participation in the REPS programme, can now resume participation in same; if he will outline in detail the factors taken into account in making this administrative decision; the basis upon which it was made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18378/00]
The applicant was not suspended from the scheme, but had a payment for one year withheld for serious non-compliance. Following a plan and on farm inspection a 100% penalty was notified to the person named on 21 September 1999. In addition, his plan was found to be deficient and required amendment to allow for continued participation in the scheme. The person named was advised of the need to submit an amended plan on 9 December 1999.
The applicant was further informed on 7 June 2000 that failure to submit an amended plan would result in termination of his REPS contract. An amended plan was received on 15 June 2000 and is at present under consideration in my Department. If the plan is found to be in order the issue of further payments will then be addressed.
