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Agri-Environment Options Scheme Payments

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 March 2014

Tuesday, 11 March 2014

Questions (472)

Michael Creed

Question:

472. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will re-examine the extent of an agri-environment options scheme penalty in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork in view of the notification received in respect of a single payment application and the actual reduction which was significantly different; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11999/14]

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Written answers

The person named was approved for participation in the 2011 Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from 1 September 2011 and full entitlements have issued in respect of the 2011 and 2012 Scheme years. A review of the land declared by the person named under the 2013 Single Payment Scheme revealed that one of the land parcels declared by the person named, and also declared for AEOS, contained ineligible features. AEOS payments are made on eligible land only and this led to a reduction in the 75% AEOS payment for 2013 which issued on the 28 November 2013. A further issue was identified relating to the land area claimed on this parcel and in accordance with EU rules, a further reduction and penalty was deducted from the balancing 25% payment which issued on the 23 December 2013. My Department issued two statements to the person named advising them of the reductions/penalty amounts.

The applicant has sought a review of the decision to reduce the eligible area of the land parcel in question and this review is currently being undertaken. My Department will be in direct contact with the person named regarding the outcome of the review once this verification check has been completed. If the applicant is not satisfied with the outcome of the review, he can appeal his case to the independently-chaired Appeals Committee. If the review and/or appeal results in a change in the eligible area of the parcel, the AEOS payment to the person named will be amended accordingly and reimbursement will be made if appropriate.

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