Paul McGrath
Question:45 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if it will become obligatory to be in the REP scheme by 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25697/02]
Written Answers. - Rural Environment Protection Scheme.
All member states of the European Union are required to operate an agri-environment programme as provided for in Council Regulation 1257/1999 on support for rural development from the European agricultural guidance and guarantee fund. However, participation by individual farmers is voluntary.
The rural environment protection scheme is Ireland's agri-environment programme and the European Commission approved it in September 2000 as a measure in the Rural Development Plan 2000-2006. Farmers who give voluntary undertakings under the REP scheme are entitled to an annual payment for a period of five years subject to continued compliance with the undertakings given. I have recently announced a consultative process on the REP scheme. Following this consultative process, which will include all stakeholders, it is my intention to put forward proposals for changes to the scheme to the European Commission during 2003.
Any successor to the REP scheme, after the current programming period ends in 2006, will be subject to future negotiations at EU level and whatever regulations may be in force. While it is too early to speculate on the outcome of those negotiations, I see no reason the voluntary nature of the current scheme should change.