Farmers were encouraged to join REPS 3 at an early date so that they could enjoy the benefits of higher payment rates and a more farmer-friendly scheme. I fully endorse that advice.
Under the terms of the protocol on direct payments to farmers, agreed between my Department and the farming organisations, targets are set for the processing of REPS applications and payments. These targets are being met in all but a very few cases. My Department has already made 500 payments to farmers in REPS 3, out of a total of approximately 2,500 applications for REPS that are currently being processed. Over 250 more applications are approved as of today and REPS 3 payments will continue to be approved and issued on a continuous basis from now on.
Payments to farmers in REPS 2 have continued to issue throughout the summer in the normal way. Farmers who have indicated a wish to transform from REPS 2 to REPS 3 have had their REPS 2 payments processed normally and will receive top-up payments to REPS 3 rates in the coming months.