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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 7 Nov 2002

Vol. 556 No. 5

Written Answers. - Grant Payments.

Phil Hogan

Ceist:

32 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his plans to increase the REP scheme payments to encourage greater participation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20676/02]

The REP scheme is one of the four measures included in Ireland's CAP rural development plan, 2000-06, which was approved by the EU Commission. It is a highly attractive and effective measure. Changes in the conditions of the REP scheme included in the development plan will require formal amendments at EU level. I have recently announced details of a consultative process on the scheme, from which I intend to make comprehensive proposals to the Commission in 2003. The review will cover all aspects of the scheme, including payment rates, its structure, individual measures, controls and penalties. Full consultation and detailed preparation are necessary to ensure that proposals that may be put to the Commission in 2003 are robust and fully justifiable within the terms of the relevant EU regulations. As a first step in the process I have invited written submissions from stakeholder groups to form the basis of further consultations, including a forum in which those who have made submissions may participate collectively. Following these two stages of consultation, my Department will formulate proposals on the REP scheme by mid-2003 to be submitted to the European Commission.

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