Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 3 Nov 1998

Vol. 495 No. 7

Written Answers. - Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Ulick Burke

Ceist:

245 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of applicants selected for audit under the 5 per cent audit in REP scheme during the period 1 November 1997 to 1 October 1998; the number of these awaiting audit in excess of two months, six months and over one year; the number of audits completed but awaiting referral back to a REP scheme planner, the reason for the delay; and if he will pay the applicants and deduct any penalties from subsequent REP scheme payments if the delay is over two months. [21203/98]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

Pre-payment inspections are carried out on 5 per cent of new applicants under the rural environment protection scheme and on 5 per cent of those applying for second and subsequent payments. The main purpose of this check is to ensure that the farmer's agri-environmental plan has been prepared in accordance with the Department's agri-environmental specifications, but it also involves an on-farm visit for a second and subsequent year's application.

There were 1,903 applicants selected for 5 per cent random inspections between 1 November 1997 and 1 October 1998. The detailed breakdown cannot be compiled in the time available and I will forward the information to the Deputy as soon as possible.

On Friday, 30 October last, my Department's REPS division had four cases on hand where deficiencies had been identified in agri-environmental plans which were awaiting referral to planners. Figures in this regard vary on a daily basis and cases are usually cleared on the day of receipt.

I have no plans to make payments to applicants before all necessary procedures have been completed.