Michael Ring
Question:213 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a REP scheme payment; and if he will expedite payment in this case. [11783/01]
Written Answers - Rural Environment Protection Scheme.
All applications under REPS are subject to a comprehensive desk check and a percentage are also chosen for a pre-payment inspection. An application to participate in REPS 2 was received in my Department from the person named on 26 February 2001. The protocol on direct payments to farmers sets down maximum periods for the processing of REPS applications and for payment when the applications are accepted. The period allowed for the processing of applications is 14 weeks if they are selected for pre-payment inspection and 12 weeks if they are not. Payment is then to be made within a further month. The application in this case will be dealt with within the periods specified in the protocol.