Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 May 2001

Vol. 536 No. 2

Written Answers - Grant Payments.

Ulick Burke

Question:

220 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not received a REP scheme payment after two and a half years waiting; the length of time this file has been with the RI in the Galway office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13719/01]

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

There is no record of a REPS application from the person named, but the REPS number quoted relates to an application by her sister.

That REPS application was chosen for a full plan and on-farm inspection. My officials encountered significant delays in trying to arrange a farm visit, as the applicant was not available at the times they suggested. When a farm visit was arranged on 7 October 1999, certain documentation was requested from the applicant. After several written reminders, the documentation in question was received on 21 March 2001 at my Department's REPS headquarters in Wexford.

On 29 March the file was referred to the regional inspector for examination, as there is an issue of eligibility for the scheme. On 30 April the regional inspector returned the file, and headquarters staff will now make a decision on the eligibility of the application as soon as possible.

Ulick Burke

Question:

221 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the number of farmers from 1995 to 1997 who had lands in national heritage areas but, due to uncertainty with Dúchas, were not informed of the exact status of their lands until they were in the REP scheme for some period; the number who received retrospective payments; the number which were refused retrospective payments; the reasons therefor; the number who have been asked to refund these retrospective payments; the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13720/01]

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

The information sought is not readily available and its compilation would involve a disproportionate amount of time and work. However, the procedures to be followed in the type of situation referred to were as follows.

The revised REP scheme specifications published in May 1996 provide for the amendment to a contract where a participant in REPS who subsequent to joining the scheme receives notification that all or part of his or her lands are in a proposed or designated NHA. The amendment must include the additional farming conditions required on NHA lands. Where such amendments are received additional payments will apply from the next anniversary date of the commencement of the application.

Prior to the publication of the revised specification, where applicants amended their plans to include NHA lands or to advise the Department of the correct designation of certain lands, such amendments were accepted and paid subject to them being received before the first anniversary date of the commencement of the application.

All cases when identified as processed outside these procedures are reviewed against these procedures and any under or overpayments are subsequently corrected.