Vol. 461 No. 6
163 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry in respect of farmers applying for the REP scheme in areas designated NHAs, the stocking density for sheep which has been approved on the advice of the Office of Public Works; and if he has satisfied himself that there will be a sufficient uptake of the scheme in view of the stocking density which has been set; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3473/96]
There is as yet no specific stocking density or stocking limits set down for sheep under REPS in proposed NHAs. Up to now the stocking density to be applied on any NHA site under REPS is that prescribed by the approved REPS planning agency in consultation with the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
I have, however, recently arranged to have a group look at the conditions to be applied to the conservation of NHA sites under REPS. This committee has representation from my Department, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the REPS planning agencies and the farm organisations. I am satisfied that a set of broad guidelines can be agreed to facilitate planning agencies in setting stocking density for sheep and other livestock in NHA areas.
Finally, I am happy with the uptake of REPS in NHA and I expect that it will continue to be quite satisfactory.
