65 Mr. Glennon asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the prospects of REP scheme three in 2006 and on progress in the REP scheme four consultation process. [12207/06]

REPS 3 has been a major success and participation has broken previous records. Spending on REPS grew from €208 million in 2004 to €283 million in 2005, and provision has been made in the 2006 Estimates for a further increase to €323 million this year. The increased allocation for 2006 reflects the fact that I expect that there will be further significant growth in participation levels this year.

My Department received 80 written submissions as part of the REPS 4 consultative process. All those who made submissions were invited to an open forum which was held on 2 February at which they had a further opportunity to take part in the consultative process along with officials of my Department and the European Commission. The consultative process has been very informative and produced many ideas which can be incorporated in REPS 4 to the benefit of the scheme and the environment generally. My officials are currently in the process of drafting proposals on REPS 4, which will be incorporated in Ireland's draft rural development plan for the period 2007-13.