Phil Hogan
Question:12 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when REPS 3 payments will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24443/04]
View answerWednesday, 13 October 2004
Questions (11)
Oral answers (4 contributions)
The issue of REPS 3 payments commenced on 23 September 2004. Processing of applications and approval of payments is proceeding on a continuing basis. By the end of this week, REPS 3 payments amounting to €8.1 million will have gone out to more than 1,350 farmers. The vast majority of applications have been processed within the target periods agreed with the farming organisations in the protocol on direct payments to farmers.
I strongly encourage farmers to consider joining REPS 3 in the light of the substantially increased payments now available to them. The new scheme includes reduced penalties, requires less planner involvement and is presented in more farmer-friendly documentation. I also urge farmers who are already in REPS 2 to take up the opportunity to transfer to REPS 3 at the first opportunity.
I thank the Minister of State for his reply. He is working quickly because this issue has been causing difficulty for some months. As the Bible says, "only say the word and my soul shall be healed". The Minister of State has done just that.
I welcome the Minister of State's reply. Will he comment on the difficulty many intensive farmers in Dublin North, many of whom are involved in horticulture, are having in gaining access to the REP scheme despite seeking opportunities to do so? Will the Minister of State more closely examine the cases of some intensive farmers who are over a barrel in respect of the market forces they face? Can the Minister advise how such farmers can move towards the REP scheme?
I am not in a position to reply directly to the Deputy's question but if he brings specific details to me I will be glad to have them considered by the Department.