Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 March 2006
435 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a decision will be made in the Galway regional office of her Department as to whether an estate (details supplied) in County Mayo can be included for REP scheme or not; and if this matter will be expedited. [9354/06]
View answerUnder a 1998 agreement with the European Commission, eligibility for REPS payments on commonage land or grazing rights can be considered only in respect of owned commonage shares or owned grazing rights. I am aware that there are genuine cases where this condition may be unduly restrictive, and my officials are currently examining it in the context of drawing up proposals for an amended REPS which will form part of Ireland's rural development plan for the period 2007-13.
