Agriculture Scheme Payments

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 December 2014

Tuesday, 2 December 2014

Questions (260)

Michael Lowry

Question:

260. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 462 if he will provide the information sought in relation to the total number of overclaim cases currently with the land parcel identification system section; the average processing time in resolving these cases; the number of Tipperary farmers awaiting a decision in their cases; his views that these delays are acceptable; the steps he will take to tackle these backlogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45837/14]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Land Parcel Identification System database underpins the processing of applications under the Direct Payment Schemes. Payments made to date under the 2014 Single Farm Payment and Disadvantaged Areas Schemes amounts to almost €1.3 billion. The vast majority of farmers have been paid under both Schemes. Currently there are relatively small numbers of cases involving over-claims which are still not clear. These are cases where there are complex issues involved such as dual-claims and commonage over-claims. My Department is currently in correspondence with the applicants directly involved with a view is reaching a conclusion. There are 48 farmers in Tipperary who have over-claims including those relating to dual-claimed parcels and commonages.