Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 June 2019
726. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the decision to disallow an SPS application by a person (details supplied) from 2014 on the grounds of land not recently farmed, as the same plot of land in question has always been farmed and continues to be allowed for BPS application in each subsequent year to date, will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23346/19]
View answerA 2014 Single Farm Payment/Disadvantaged Areas’ scheme application in respect of the herd number provided was submitted on 14 May 2014. EU Regulations governing the administration of these schemes require that full and comprehensive administrative checks, including in some cases on farm inspections be completed to confirm eligibility under the schemes.
The application was selected for a ground eligibility inspection. The inspection identified discrepancies between the areas declared and the area found resulting in an over-declaration in area of greater than 20%. Under the Terms and Conditions of these schemes, this resulted in no payment in respect of the 2014 scheme year. The applicant was notified of this decision on 17th December 2014.
The applicant requested a review of this decision, and the outcome was to up-hold the inspection findings. A letter detailing this decision issued to the applicant on 24th July 2015.
The applicant was also advised that the decision could be appealed to the independent Agriculture Appeals Office, within 3 months. No appeal was received in that office.
The review process within my Department has been exhausted. However, the Director of the Agriculture Appeals Office may accept an appeal after the 3 months deadline if it is considered that there are exceptional circumstances. The applicant should contact that office in this regard.
