Vol. 507 No. 4
17 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps, if any, he is undertaking to ensure that farmers are fully informed of the conditions of the REP scheme to ensure maximum compliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16930/99]
The REP scheme document and specifications are freely available at all local farm development service offices of my Department. In addition, all participants are encouraged to pursue a voluntary 20 hour training course. Each participant in the REP scheme must engage the services of an approved planner to draw up an agrienvironmental plan in respect of his or her farm. All such planners have to participate in a training course organised by my Department before they can be approved. My Department also organises seminars for approved planners to keep them up to date with any changes in the scheme requirements.
18 Mr. D. Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the proposals, if any, he will be making in regard to those producers coming to the end of their five year REP scheme programme; the way in which the more intensive farmers who are outside the scheme will be given the opportunity to join; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16536/99]
My Department has had discussions with the European Commission in relation to REP participants reaching the end of their five year plans this year. Following those discussions my Department is preparing a formal submission to the Commission seeking approval to extend for a further year the contracts of any farmer who wishes to remain in REP.
In the coming months, my Department will draw up an integrated rural development plan under Agenda 2000 which will include the future operation of a REP scheme. In this context all aspects of the REP scheme will be examined, including possibilities for increasing the participation rate of more intensive farmers.
