As far as payment of compliance costs to farmers is concerned, I am bound by the EU provisions on state aids as to what can be achieved in that regard but I am committed to ensuring that such costs are kept to a minimum. My Department's payment system is one of the most efficient in the European Union. Notwithstanding this, application procedures continue to be subject to review with a view to simplification, subject to EU accountability requirements.
I am aware of the difficulties faced by some in completing the paperwork required under many of the schemes and as part of this ongoing review process a protocol on direct payments was agreed with farming organisations in 2000. This has been carried forward into my Department's Customer Service Action Plan 2001-2004, which includes commitments to the use of clear and comprehensible language in forms and information leaflets, the establishment of regional customer panels and the development of electronic data to reduce form filling.
Payments to farmers under the rural environmental protection scheme, REPS, are calculated to cover the additional costs and reductions in income that arise when a farmer follows the more extensive and environmentally friendly farming practices that participation in the scheme requires. In April this year I announced some improvements in the early retirement scheme and I am currently considering some changes in the operational requirements of REPS. However, REPS and the scheme of early retirement from farming are two of the four measures included in Ireland's CAP Rural Development Plan 2000-2006, which was approved by the EU Commission. The plan also incorporates the compensatory allowances and forestry measures. Any changes in those conditions of the schemes that are included in the rural development plan would require formal amendment of the plan at EU level.
Subject to EU requirements and in consultation with its customers, my Department will continue to simplify forms and application procedures generally.