Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Nov 2000

Vol. 525 No. 2

Written Answers. - Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Michael Ring

Question:

348 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if the 10% penalty imposition is deducted from EU money or from the Irish money paid to the REP scheme applicants; the amount sent back to Europe in 1994 from the REP scheme funding which was not drawn down; and the element of this money which was in relation to penalties. [24591/00]

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

REP scheme payments are co-financed 75% by the European Union and 25% by the national Exchequer. Where penalties are imposed, pro rata adjustments are made to both national and EU funding reflecting the co-financed nature of the scheme.

A system of recouping in arrears on legitimate expenditure incurred has been in place since the inception of the REP scheme in 1994. The issue of returning moneys not drawn down does not, therefore, arise. A system of financial penalties for non-compliance with the REP scheme was not in place in 1994.