Agriculture Scheme Penalties

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 November 2015

Tuesday, 24 November 2015

Questions (224)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Question:

224. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if payments under the rural environment protection scheme 4 are payable on the gross area; why he has withheld payments from participants where issues arose in relation to the single payment scheme eligible area; the number of participants who had payments withheld in 2012 and in 2013, where such an issue arose; by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41441/15]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

REPS 4 is generally paid on the gross area. However, payments have been withheld in relation to the Single Payment Scheme eligible area in some REPS 4 cases due to areas being deemed ineligible for REPS 4 purposes as they were considered not to be actively farmed. The number of cases where a REPS4 payment is still outstanding for the 2012 Scheme Year and the 2013 Scheme Year because of an issue that arose with the land areas under the Single Payment Scheme is 3, one in each of Laois, Tipperary and Galway.