Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 26 Oct 2000

Vol. 525 No. 1

Written Answers. - Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

John V. Farrelly

Ceist:

90 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will have the REP scheme case for a person (details supplied) in County Meath reviewed following a penalty imposed by the Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23698/00]

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

As a result of an inspection on the farm of the person named in March 1999, a penalty of 10% was imposed on his REPS payment for failing to maintain hedgerows as set out in his agri-environmental plan.

The applicant appealed the decision and the matter was fully investigated by my Department before being examined by the REPS Appeals Committee in December 1999. The committee decided to uphold the penalty on the grounds that the applicant did not comply with a specific requirement in his REPS plan. This case was further reviewed by the appeals committee in June 2000 in the light of additional information supplied by the applicant but the committee decision was unchanged and the penalty remains in place. The decision of the appeals committee is my Department's final position on any case.

Jim Higgins

Ceist:

91 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when two farming applicants (details supplied) for the REP scheme in County Mayo can expect their REP payments. [23770/00]

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

The applications from the persons named are currently being assessed with regard to issues of eligibility. A final decision on the cases will be communicated to them within the next ten working days.