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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 20 Jun 2002

Vol. 553 No. 4

Written Answers. - Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Billy Timmins

Question:

41 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his plans to review the REP scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14052/02]

The rural environment protection scheme, REPS, is one of the four measures included in Ireland's CAP Rural Development Plan, 2000-2006, which was approved by the EU Commission. Any changes in those conditions of REPS that are included in the rural development plan would require formal amendments at EU level.

It is my intention shortly to put in motion a consultative process about REPS involving a wide range of stakeholders, leading into the mid-term review of the rural development plan in 2003. Full consultation and detailed preparation are necessary to ensure that any proposals that may be put to the EU Commission in 2003 are robust and fully justifiable within the terms of the relevant EU Regulations. I expect that issues arising during the consultation process will include payment rates, the measures to be undertaken by participants at farm level, the system of controls and penalties and aspects of the agreement with the EU Commission that led to the introduction of supplementary measure A for target land, known as measure A in the new scheme, in 1998. It will of course be open to all parties in the process to raise other issues that they consider relevant.

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