Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 February 2012
561 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment for the agri-environment options scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9168/12]
View answerThe person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1 November 2010.
Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, had to be completed before any payment could issue. During these checks a query arose in respect of land parcels declared which requires digitisation of the areas concerned. This is being dealt with by my Department at present and once the digitisation process is completed, the application will be processed with a view to making payment at the earliest opportunity.
562 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, further to Parliamentary Question No. 164 of 8 February 2012, if he will approve payment of an income supplement to the herd owners in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9254/12]
View answerIncome Supplement is payable in cases where a TB breakdown results in the removal of more than 10% of animals in a herd and where depopulation is not deemed appropriate. As 14% of the herd of the herdowner concerned have been removed as reactors, he satisfies this condition. All of the conditions for payment are included in the information pack (page 19 — Compensation arrangements for TB and Brucellosis — Important Information for Farmers) which was issued to the person concerned at the time of restriction.
Definitive eligibility for Income Supplement Grant is considered one month after the removal of reactors, in this case 26 February. Assuming the herdowner fulfils all the conditions of the scheme, payment will be approved two weeks after this date and payment will be made shortly afterwards.
