Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 10 Oct 2002

Vol. 555 No. 1

Written Answers. - Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Willie Penrose

Question:

62 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will ensure that a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath is admitted to the new REP scheme; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the reason this person had to terminate their participation in the previous scheme was serious ill health, which was documented by medical certificate; if due to the foregoing extenuating circumstances he will have this person admitted to the new scheme; if in the event of there being any payback required it would be over a period of four to five years; if the same could be deducted from this person's participation payment in the new scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17783/02]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

The person named terminated his REPS 1 contract on the grounds of ill health. Under the scheme conditions where a participant suffers long-term incapacity force majeure may be applied.

The Department accepted that the documentation furnished by the person named supported the application of the force majeure provision and, on 9 January 2001, terminated the REPS contract without reimbursement of aid already paid in accordance with EU regulations. In the particular circumstances of this case any new REPS application could only be considered on the basis of an up to date medical report being available to the Department and all payments previously made being fully reimbursed prior to his re-admittance to the scheme.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

63 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will allow other family members to represent a named REP scheme applicant to attend the compulsory REP scheme courses as a number of applicants have disabilities and other problems that prevent them from attending such courses; if he is aware that in many cases spouses and other family members actually conduct the REP scheme business on the farm; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17789/02]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

The conditions governing the rural environment protection scheme, which have been approved by the EU Commission, specifically require the beneficiary of the scheme to attend the appropriate training course. It is not permitted for any other person to attend the course on behalf of the beneficiary. In the case of joint participants in REPS, however, one participant may be nominated to attend the course. He or she must then complete the full course.

On joining the scheme, an applicant undertakes to farm his or her holding for a period of five years to REPS conditions, including the mandatory attendance at the training course. My Department is not in a position to waive attendance at the course or to accept attendance at the course by any person other than the beneficiary of the scheme. In recognition of the fact that some participants may have other commitments and to minimise any inconvenience to them and make the courses more accessible, my Department has agreed that planning agencies who are approved to conduct training courses may run courses during the day, on evenings or a combination of both.