Pádraic McCormack
Question:16 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if any REP scheme 3 payments have been made to date; and, if not, the reason therefor. [24454/04]
View answerWednesday, 13 October 2004
Questions (15)
Written answers
The issue of REPS 3 payments commenced on 23 September 2004. The processing of applications and approval of payments are proceeding on a continuing basis. By the end of this week, REPS 3 payments amounting to €8.1 million will have gone out to over 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 light of the substantially increased payments that are now available to them. The new scheme also 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.