Vol. 536 No. 3
144 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the reason it was necessary for a person (details supplied) when applying for a REP scheme, to produce deeds of transfer and a copy of the contract having already produced a copy of the registered title documents; if this is required as standard practice; if this is a request made only at the Galway office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14175/01]
The REP scheme specification under which this application was lodged includes the following provision. The planner should be satisfied that the applicant has available for inspection, by an authorized person, any of the following ownership/leasing documentation: Registered land – a copy of Land Registry folio showing applicant(s) or partner(s) as owner(s) or certified copy of stamped deed of transfer where transfer has taken place and registration is not completed.
An issue arose in this case with regard to reclamation work on lands purchased by the applicant that included the removal of boundary fences and the burning of uprooted trees. Where there is evidence of deliberate removal of habitats prior to application to join REPS, such applicants are rendered ineligible. The reason the documentation was sought in this case was to establish if and when the applicant was in possession of these lands and thus to make a determination on the application.
My Department has an obligation as an accredited paying agency of the European Union to ensure that all applications are eligible for participation in the scheme. This will occasionally, as in this case, require the submission by the applicant of additional information. I am satisfied that this application is being dealt with correctly and in a manner consistent with normal procedures. The file is now at my Department's REPS headquarters in Wexford and a decision will be made as soon as possible on the eligibility of the application.
