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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 5 Jun 1996

Vol. 466 No. 4

Written Answers. - REP Scheme.

Noel Dempsey

Ceist:

263 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will be amending the rules pertaining to the REP scheme in view of the current situation arising from the BSE scare; if he will review the rules which require certain stocking rates to be maintained in view of the fact that many farmers will not be in a position to purchase animals because of the current market situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11411/96]

There is no minimum stocking rate required under the REP scheme. Accordingly, I have no plans to amend the rules pertaining to the scheme.

If the Deputy has a particular REPS participitant in mind then I would suggest that contact might be made with the relevant REPS planning agency with a view to having the stocking rate position clarified. Similarly any participitant farmers who propose to purchase additional animals should satisfy themselves that this is in accordance with their REPS plans.

I share the Deputy's concerns regarding the BSE scare. I am satisfied, however, that the impact of the scare on stocking rates under the REPS is minimal.

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