Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 January 2018
1151. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department is seeking affidavits from persons who have had their single farm payments held up due to mountain fires; his plans to ensure all persons are paid in view of the fact that this method is both unworkable and unthinkable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54976/17]
View answerWhere land has been burned between the period of 1 March and 31 August of any given year, it is not eligible for payment under the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS). My Department actively investigates incidents of illegal burning using satellite imagery.
Applicants who do not remove ineligible features, such as land burned during the period 1 March to 31 August, from their BPS applications, may have an over claim(s). Such over claims have occurred in relation to a number of 2017 BPS applicants who have declared burnt land.
These BPS applicants have been written to detailing the current position in relation to their applications and the options available to them, including the right to seek a review. Those seeking a review have been advised to submit any documentation that they deem relevant which will then be reviewed by my Department.
My Department is not specifically seeking affidavits from the BPS applicants that have been written to. However, should an affidavit be submitted, it will be considered accordingly.
