Joe Walsh
Ceist:35 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the total amount of money due to farmers approved under the REP scheme; and when it is proposed to pay the money due. [10385/96]
Written Answers. - Rural Environment Protection Scheme.
John O'Leary
Ceist:47 Mr. O'Leary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the number of farmers awaiting second payments under the REP scheme; and the number of farmers that have been paid to date. [10622/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 35 and 47 together.
A total of £50,216,000 has been paid to 14,238 farmers since the launch of the scheme in 1994. The number of farmers awaiting second payments is 1,200.
First payments under the scheme are made on an ongoing basis. The second instalment would normally be due for payment 12 months after the commencement date of the agri-environmental plan. However, due to the high level of deficient plans submitted during the first year of the scheme more detailed checking of applications is being carried out. As a result, no second year payments have yet been made. Checks on farmer compliance with their REPS plans commenced last week on those who joined the scheme in 1994 so that second year payments can be made at the earliest possible date. It is expected that these payments will commence in the next week.