Michael Ring
Ceist:169 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if REP scheme applicants will no longer be penalised for mistakes made by REP scheme planners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28546/00]
Written Answers. - Rural Environment Protection Scheme.
Where it is determined that a participant in REPS has incurred a penalty as a result of a deficient agri-environmental plan or a planner error, my Department may also take action against the planner concerned but the penalty on the REPS participant will stand. However he or she will have the right of appeal to the national REPS appeals committee, which is an independent body whose decision is final. It will be open to the appeal committee and to the appeals office to consider all aspects of the case and to decide to reduce or waive penalties on REPS participants.
Cecilia Keaveney
Ceist:170 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when the new REP scheme will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28574/00]
The new REP scheme was introduced on 27 November 2000. Application forms, together with copies of the scheme document and scheme specifications, are available from the local farm development services offices of my Department.