I propose to take Questions Nos. 21, 26 and 45 together.
The rural environment protection scheme (REPS), which was formally approved by the European Commission on 29 April, will commence shortly. Details of the scheme, including application forms and a list of planning agencies approved to draw up the required agri-environment plans for farmers under the scheme, will be available from the Department's farm development service offices at that time.
The value of the scheme up to 1997 is estimated to be nearly £230 million with further expenditure after that date. It is estimated that about 40,000 farmers will participate in the scheme over the next five years.
Under the scheme a number of supplementary measures allow for payments additional to the basic REPS premium to be made to farmers for the protection of natural heritage areas, rejuvenating degraded areas or allowing public access for leisure activities.
Sheep farmers could also recieve payment to allow mountain grazing land to be used as game bird sanctuaries under one or other of these supplementary measures.