Vol. 507 No. 4
52 Ms Coughlan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the studies, if any, carried out to assess and quantify the benefits to the environment on a national level as a result of the REP scheme and, in particular, from avoiding the excessive use of fertilisers, the misuse of animal manures and from better controls on farmyard pollution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16542/99]
A major evaluation of the REP scheme is currently being carried out by consultants. This evaluation which I expect will be completed shortly, will cover all aspects of the REP scheme including the environmental impact of the scheme. As part of that evaluation, Teagasc was commissioned to carry out an analysis of its farm management survey. This analysis examined, among other things, the comparative use of fertilisers by REPS and non-REPS participants.
My Department is also supporting independent environmental research on the effects of the REP scheme in particular regions or on particular environmental issues including bio-diversity and the preservation of national monuments. These studies are being carried out under the auspices of Teagasc and the universities. A further survey carried out by my Department on a sample of agri-environment plans of REPS participants assessed a number of environmental issues, including the work required to be carried out by REPS participants to deal with farmyard pollution.
