Austin Deasy
Ceist:131 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the reason for the delay in payment of a REP scheme grant to a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and when this payment will be made. [8187/96]
Written Answers. - Grant Payment.
The person concerned applied for his second year payment under the REP scheme. However, under revised monitoring and control procedures implemented by my Department recently, each approved REPS planning agency must re-examine all agri-environment plans prepared by it and certify that they comply with the Department's specifications before second year payments can be made. In the event that the re-examination requires the plan to be revised this should be done and the revised plan submitted with the agency certification that the plan now complies with the Department's specifications.
The necessary certification from the planning agency has not been received by my Department for the person concerned.
Compliance checks will also be required to ensure that farmers have completed the specific works outline during the first year of the plan. This will lead to some delays but I am seeking to ensure that these are minimised.