Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2013
1020. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 541 of 22 January 2013, the position regarding an agri environment options scheme phase two application in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16650/13]
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 the claimed areas on the Species Rich Grassland action which resulted in a penalty being incurred. A letter regarding this penalty issued to the person named dated 25 January 2013. 75% payment totalling €408.99 (net of penalty) has issued in respect of 2011 and the 25% balancing payment for 2011 will issue shortly.
Payments in respect of the 2012 Scheme year are subject to a similar administrative checking process which includes verification of capital investments through checks on receipts. During these checks it was discovered that the person named failed to deliver the minimum requirements under the Terms and Conditions of the scheme for Tree Planting Standard action. A letter issued to the person named dated 7 February 2013 regarding this matter. As a result of this discrepancy a 10% penalty will apply to the payment for the 2012 scheme year. Following the payment for 2011, payment in respect of 2012 will be finalised on this basis.
