Vol. 484 No. 2
111 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the changes, if any, which have occurred in the REP scheme regulations since June 1997; if so, the implications in this regard to farmers; and the reason each change was deemed necessary. [21798/97]
The following are the dates and nature of the changes in the operation of REPS since 1 July this year:
July 1997 — Revision of REPS plans
An improved system for checking revisions of REPS plans was introduced which involved the provision of a detailed report from the planner in each case as to why the revision was necessary.
September 1997 — Additional Lands in REPS
As a result of an amendment to the detailed rules, new procedures were introduced which enabled farmers to receive payment on additional lands included in REPS subsequent to joining the scheme.
November 1977
The issue of commonage land has recently been reviewed. Applications containing commonage land must have ten acres of privately owned or leased land to qualify the commonage land for payment.
These changes have the aim of refining and improving the scheme while at the same time responding to audit and control demands.
