Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 June 2013
499. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the agri-environment option scheme payment will be paid for 2011 and 2012 in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30077/13]
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, have to be completed before any payment can issue. The person named was also selected for a ground Inspection which took place on the 12th May 2011. During this Inspection, areas of non-compliance with the terms and conditions of the scheme were noted in relation to the Tree Planting – Standard action which resulted in a penalty being imposed. The person named appealed this decision and he was informed in writing dated 30th November 2012 that he was successful. Subsequently full payment totalling €959.18 issued in respect of 2010 – 75% payment issued on 29th April 2013 and the balancing 25% payment issued on 29th May 2013.
Payment in respect of the 2011 Scheme year is also subject to a similar administrative checking process which includes verification of capital investments through checks on receipts. During these checks area discrepancies were discovered. These issues have now been resolved and I expect payment in respect of 2011 to issue shortly. Following payment in respect of the 2011 scheme year the checking process in respect of 2012 will get under way.
