Vol. 554 No. 5
317 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will bring forward the mid-term review of the rural environmental protection scheme in order that changes can be made to increase the uptake of farmers of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16193/02]
The rural environment protection scheme, REPS, is one of the four measures included in Ireland's CAP Rural Development Plan 2000-2006, which was approved by the EU Commission. Any changes in the conditions of REPS that are included in the rural development plan would require formal amendment of the plan at EU level.
It is my intention shortly to put in motion a consultative process about REPS involving a wide range of stakeholders, leading into the mid-term review of the rural development plan in 2003. Full consultation and detailed preparation are necessary to ensure that any proposals that may be put to the EU Commission in 2003 are robust and fully justifiable within the terms of the relevant EU regulations.
