Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 November 2004
57 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her estimates of the likely take-up of the REP 3 scheme; if she has satisfied herself with this number; the length of time into the future the REP scheme is likely to continue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29321/04]
View answerThe rural environment protection scheme, REPS, is Ireland's agri-environment programme under Council Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999. This regulation remains in force until 31 December 2006. Formulation of a new Council regulation for the next programming period, 2007-2013, is at an advanced stage. The new regulation not only makes specific provision for agri-environment programmes up to 2013 but also, like the current regulation, makes them mandatory for all member states. In discussions on the new regulation, my Department has pointed to the success of REPS. I am confident that the new regulation, when finalised, will provide a framework for the further evolution of REPS as a scheme delivering substantial benefits both to farmers and to the environment.
In negotiations on EU funding for the next programming period, it will be important to be able to point to a successful use of funds during the current one. The degree of take-up of REPS will be an important element. I am encouraged by the fact that numbers have started to rise again since REPS 3 was introduced. Some 4,200 applications for REPS 3 have already been received from farmers who were not already in REPS, and a further 4,800 REPS 2 participants are transforming to REPS 3. There are now more than 40,500 farmers in REPS and my Department has another 1,200 applications on hands. This level of interest in the scheme is very welcome, and if it is maintained participation levels could grow to some 55,000 farmers by the end of next year. If this is achieved it is not unreasonable to forecast that by 2006 a participation level approaching 60,000 could be attained.
