Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 March 2013
423. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding a review of a decision to apply a penalty to the agri-environment options scheme 2 payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11250/13]
View answerThe person named was approved for participation in the 2011 Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1 September 2011. 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. During these checks an overclaim was identified in relation to claimed areas on the Natura action which will result in a penalty being applied. Also the person named requested the withdrawal of an action from their application which will result in a further penalty of 10% on their 2011 payment. Officials in my Department are now finalising the application of the person named on this basis and arrangements are being made to issue payment for 2011 as soon as possible. Payments in respect of the 2012 scheme year are subject to a similar administrative checking process. Following the payment for 2011, this process will get under way in respect of 2012.
