Vol. 517 No. 6
333 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the representations, if any, she has made to the EU on the proposals, submitted by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, for the renewal of the rural environment protection scheme in 2000 and subsequent years. [10456/00]
The Deputy will be aware that the rural environment protection scheme (REPS), plays an important part in encouraging ecologically sensitive and sustainable farming. As the Minister responsible for the implementation of the EU habitats directive I am committed to the protection of designated habitats and I regard REPS as an important ally in ensuring the success of this work. My Department therefore works closely with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development to ensure that the REPS scheme takes account of this Department's priorities and obligations. However, as REPS is primarily the responsibility of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, it would not be appropriate for me to make representations to the EU relating to this scheme, and I have not done so.
