Vol. 480 No. 2
142 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has not been paid his first REP scheme instalment; the reason his neighbour has already been paid the second instalment, in view of the fact that they both applied at the same time and have similar amounts of leased commonage; and if he will make a statement on the matter in view of the fact that the delay is causing financial hardship. [14088/97]
The two persons referred to by the Deputy have applied to join the rural environment protection scheme, REPS. Payment has not issued to either applicant under the scheme to date. Both applicants included significant proportions of leased commonage lands in their applications. Owing to uncertainty as to the eligibility of leased commonage lands for REPS payment my Department, after consultations with the REPS planning agency involved, referred the matter to the European Commission for consideration. A response from the Commission is awaited.
My Department will take decisions on all the applications involved, including the two applications referred to by the Deputy, when the Commission's advice is received.
