Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 October 2004

Thursday, 14 October 2004

Ceisteanna (89)

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

89 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food , further to Question No. 95 of 30 September 2004, if she will review the recoupment of moneys awarded under the REP scheme, in view of the fact that the person complied with all required conditions laid down under REPS I when he entered the scheme but was unable to comply with REPS II due to commitments he had already entered into, of a contractual nature, and over which he had no control (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24975/04]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The person named began his REPS contract on 1 January 2000 and as a result was subject to the arrangements governing the transition between the first rural environment protection scheme and the second one. These required him to give a written undertaking to complete the measures specified in his REPS plan over a five year period and to integrate and adapt that plan for the new scheme when it came into operation or to give back any payments he had received.

The new REP scheme came into operation on 27 November 2000, but the person concerned never adapted and integrated his plan as he had undertaken to do. Consequently, my Department must recoup the REPS payments that he had received.