Vol. 575 No. 3
132 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a refund is being sought from a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath in respect of a REP scheme; if same can be set out in full; the reasons this person, who spent a considerable amount of time and money on the fencing of their lands, was penalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28119/03]
In the course of a compliance inspection on this holding on 24 April 2003 a portion of the boundary was found to be unfenced. A penalty amounting to 20% of his fifth year payment under the scheme was subsequently imposed on the person named. When he was notified of the penalty he was informed of his right to appeal it, but no appeal was received.
As the person named had already received his final REPS payment and there were no future payments against which the penalty could be offset, my Department had no option but to seek to recover the amount directly from him.
