Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 19 Oct 2000

Vol. 524 No. 4

Written Answers. - Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

84 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if an order to recoup REPS money can be withdrawn in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Mayo as the applicants now have the land in their names and as they entered REPS in good faith and are in poor financial circumstances. [22746/00]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

On the commencement date of the agri-environmental plan in question, the persons named did not have title in respect of the lands which were the subject of the plan and they have since failed to forward title documents to the land.

In accordance with the scheme rules and conditions, their participation in REPS must be terminated and a full recoupment of REPS payments sought. My Department will accept payment by instalments subject to an initial instalment being paid immediately. As this scheme is co-funded by the EU, my Department has no discretion in this matter.

If the applicants, however, can forward a certified copy of stamped deed of transfer or assent where transfer has taken place and registration has not been completed, together with the Land Registry dealing number which covers the commencement date of the plan, then this decision will be reviewed by my Department.