Vol. 527 No. 3
50 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the consultations he has had with the Department of the Environment and Local Government to ensure that local authorities' environmental by-laws do not result in the cessation of certain aids under the REP scheme; the results of any such consultations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28451/00]
My officials have had productive discussions with officials of the Department of the Environment and Local Government on the potential implications for REPS farmers of the introduction of environmental by-laws by local authorities. However, the making of such by-laws is a power devolved to local authorities. Furthermore, the circumstances may differ from one local authority area to another and as a result the provisions of the by-laws will not be uniform. My Department has sought legal opinion on the implications the by-laws may have on REPS payments. On receipt of this advice, they will be approaching the local authorities directly, to explain the issues and to seek their agreement to consult my Department when preparing such by-laws.
