Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 May 2001

Vol. 535 No. 1

Written Answers - Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Jim Higgins

Question:

237 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he is prepared to waive the spot check in a case (details supplied) where a REP scheme file has been selected for random selection but where the official is refusing to call out until after the foot and mouth crisis. [12141/01]

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

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 12 April 2001. The protocol on direct payments to farmers sets down maximum periods for the processing of REPS applications and for payment once 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.

As a disease prevention measure, my Department suspended farm visits on 23 February. This policy is under constant review that will take account of developments with regard to foot and mouth disease. However, my Department must also have regard to the controls needed to maintain the integrity of the REP scheme and to protect my Department's accreditation with the European Union as a paying agency. I understand that an EU Commission regulation, making certain provision for the effect of foot and mouth restrictions on member states' controls of certain schemes, will be published shortly.