Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 April 2015
107. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will ensure that farmers currently restricted with incidences of tuberculosis are fast-tracked in terms of outstanding agri-environment options scheme payments, in view of the hardship that they are currently enduring and the lack of cashflow available to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17014/15]
View answerThe person named was approved for participation in the 2012 Agri Environment Options Scheme (AEOS 3) with effect from the 1 May 2013.
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. The application of the person named was selected for an on-farm inspection in respect of the 2013 scheme year, during which non-compliances with the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme were noted in relation to the Natura action, which resulted in a penalty being incurred. The person named was notified of this in a letter dated 10 February 2015. Officials are currently processing the application on the basis of the inspection findings and a balancing payment in respect of the 2013 scheme year, less penalty, will issue shortly. Once the payment for 2013 has issued, the application will be processed for 2014 scheme year payments as soon as possible. Whilst there is no provision in the Regulations to alter the AEOS payment process where a herd is restricted, every effort will be made to expedite payment.
