No. I assure the Deputy that we attach great importance to this scheme. We see it as a real money-spinner for many farm families, particularly those in the dry stock sector. Of all the prevailing direct income schemes, I am more optimistic about this scheme getting support from Brussels than I am of renewal of Structural Funds. If the Deputy is referring to the recent announcement by the Minister of State, Deputy Deenihan, who has responsibility for the REPS, problems have arisen, unfortunately, in regard to an audit of 5 per cent of cases approved. We gave desk top approvals to REPS applicants and, given earlier difficulties with regard to the beef industry, I am determined to ensure that any successor of mine is not left with a legacy of disallowances and maladministration because of inadequate staff levels to deal with a torrent of applications — approximately 300 per week.
I have asked my officials to, first, put in place immediate measures to check up on faulty plans, some of which involved technical breaches of the scheme — and that is a generous term — and, second, to ensure that in the lifetime of every plan there is proper compliance and checking, including farm inspections. That probably means I will have to bring to Cabinet a dossier on funding, staffing and adequate measures to put in place a more foolproof checking system. I am working closely with the Minister of State, Deputy Deenihan, and my colleagues to ensure that this scheme can progress and be successful. I do not deny there is a shortfall in funding. I did not deny it the last time I answered questions in the House, but I assure the Deputy I do not see any legal basis for the suspension of the scheme. I have a strong case to put to Cabinet to ensure adequate funding on the three to one basis involving only 25 per cent from the Exchequer.