Vol. 541 No. 2
310 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the reason persons who joined the REP scheme had to reduce to 12 units in order to be included when they are advised they must have over 20 units in order to qualify for grant aid for such items as sheep sheds. [21461/01]
The conditions governing the REP scheme do not stipulate a maximum number of livestock units that may be carried on a holding. That is determined in each individual case. Each application for REPS must be accompanied by an agri-environment plan drawn up by an approved REPS planner in consultation with the farmer. This includes a nutrient management plan which determines the carrying capacity of the land. The nutrient management plan is based on soil analysis reports and must comply with the REPS specifications. REPS is a voluntary scheme which promotes extensive farming practices.
