Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2006

Tuesday, 4 July 2006

Ceisteanna (486)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

499 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if, in the event of her Department withholding payments from a farmer due to a disputed claim over area aid or REP scheme dating back to 2002, the farmer should establish their rights subject to complying with all terms and conditions under the aforementioned schemes; if her Department will issue back dated payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25533/06]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

A REPS plan must cover all the land which is in the applicant's control. However, payments can be made only on the area recognised as meeting the eligibility criteria at the time the initial application is made. If, at some later stage, land that was deemed ineligible for payment at the outset is found to have met the eligibility criteria all along, then my Department will make backdated payments on it.