Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 September 2012
191. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine the position regarding an agri environment options scheme payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39709/12]
View answerThe person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1st September 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, must be completed before any payment can issue. The person named was selected for a ground inspection which took place on 13th May 2011. During this inspection, areas of non-compliance with the terms and condition of the scheme were noted in relation to Tree Planting Standard Option which resulted in a penalty being imposed. A letter issued to the person named informing him of this penalty and giving him the option to appeal the decision. The decision was appealed and following a review of the file the decision to apply a financial penalty was upheld. A letter to this effect issued to the person named on 19th September 2012 and the option of appeal to the Agriculture Appeals Office was given.
During the processing of the non productive capital investment receipts a further issue arose. Under the terms and conditions of the Scheme, applicants had to complete all non-productive capital investments by 30 June 2011. From the documentation provided by the person named it appears that related works did not commence until July 2011 which is after the deadline.
As the Establish and Maintenance of Habitats action is a mandatory measure and necessary for eligibility to the Scheme, the person named is ineligible and a letter to this effect will shortly issue.
