Tuesday, 19 February 2008

Ceisteanna (377)

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

470 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the REP scheme three payment will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Laois. [6742/08]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

I had further discussions with Commissioner Fischer Boel in Brussels earlier this week about the difficulties with the European Commission in relation to the established practice of paying REPS 2 and REPS 3 participants at the beginning of each contract year. I am very glad to say that I obtained the Commissioner's agreement that Ireland can continue to receive REPS payment claims and make payments as has been done in the past, until the expiry of REPS 2 and REPS 3 contracts.

I have directed my officials to take immediate steps to release REPS 2 and REPS 3 payments which had been on hold since early January and payment for valid outstanding claims will begin to issue later this week.