226 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when payment of a grant for a slatted shed will issue to a person (details supplied); if his Department is meeting the commitments given at the time this grant was sanctioned; if his attention has been drawn to the financial strain experienced by this person due to this grant not being paid; and if payment will be made forthwith. [23837/01]

The national scheme for the control of farm pollution – now replaced by the new farm waste management scheme – was extremely successful and uptake exceeded all expectations. The EU-imposed ceiling for expenditure under this scheme has been reached and my Department has applied to the European Commission to formally raise the ceiling. A number of payments under the scheme, have been delayed pending receipt of this formal approval. I am aware of the difficulties which this delay has presented for the farmer named and for other farmers in a similar situation and I am making every effort to ensure that EU approval is obtained as quickly as possible. Following recent discussions between my Department and the European Commission a positive response is expected very shortly. All payments will issue immediately approval is received.

227 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the reason he is seeking a refund of payments made to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath under the REP scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23838/01]

The person named has been notified in writing by letter dated 8 October 2001 that no refund of REPS payments made will be sought by my Department.