Vol. 547 No. 1
340 Mr. T. Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the reason a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary did not receive a REP scheme payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2190/02]
The person named disposed of land that had been included in his REPS plan. A participant in REPS undertakes to farm all the land which is the subject of his agreement with my Department for five years in accordance with the rules governing the scheme. If he or she disposes of land during the REPS contract then all payments made in respect of that land must be recouped.
On 26 November 2001, my Department informed the person named that payments must be refunded in respect of the land he had disposed of. He was also informed that his third and fourth-year REPS payment would be offset against the amount owed. He appealed the decision and his appeal is being considered at present. While it is being considered, my Department has deferred further action to recover the balance of the debt.
