Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 26 Nov 2002

Vol. 558 No. 1

Written Answers. - Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

187 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the backlog of REP scheme files which have accumulated in the FDS office, Tuam, County Galway, due to insufficient staff numbers to deal with the considerable volume of files; if his attention has further been drawn to the financial hardship caused to hundreds of farmers as a result of this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23599/02]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

Although at present there is not a full complement of staff in the FDS office in Tuam, the vast majority of REPS applications are being processed within the targets set out in the protocol on direct payments to farmers. The situation is being monitored, and measures have been taken and will continue to be taken to ensure that no significant backlog develops.