Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 April 2013
179. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the 2011 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. [19492/13]
View answerThe person named was approved for participation in the 2011 Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from 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 a discrepancy was identified regarding information submitted on the AEOS application form and the farm maps which accompanied the AEOS application. My Department has contacted the Agricultural Advisor of the person named regarding this matter. Upon receipt of a satisfactory response to this matter, the file will be further processed with the intention of issuing payment at the earliest opportunity. 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. These checks have now been completed and following the payment for 2011, the payment in respect of 2012 will be finalised.
