Fergus O'Dowd
Question:21 Mr. O'Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his plans to make the REP scheme more attractive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3960/03]
Vol. 561 No. 3
21 Mr. O'Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his plans to make the REP scheme more attractive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3960/03]
More than 45,000 farmers joined REPS during the first scheme which ran from 1994 to 1999, and farmers in REPS have received over €1 billion in payments so far. In 2001, the number of applications for the new scheme was the highest since REPS began, and 2002 also saw a large number of farmers joining the scheme. It is clear, therefore, that many farmers are already aware of the advantages of a scheme that offers them an average payment of €4,900 a year for five years.
Although the advantages of REPS are clearly recognised already, I am anxious nevertheless to make sure that it continues to be relevant and attractive to as many farmers as possible. For that reason, I have announced a consultation process – open to all stakeholders – with a view to putting together a package of proposals that I can send later in the year to the European Commission. My intention is that the review of REPS will be wide-ranging, combining all aspects of the scheme including the individual measures, payment rates, controls and sanctions. All the main provisions of REPS are contained in the CAP rural development plan and any significant changes would require the Commission's agreement to amend the plan.