Michael Healy-Rae
Question:457. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an appeal by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48852/21]
View answerThursday, 7 October 2021
Questions (457)
Written answers
The person named was a participant in year four of the Sheep Welfare Scheme, which ran from 1st February 2020 to 31st January 2021. As clarified with the Deputy, the person named had complied with the sheep census requirements for the scheme year.
However, as set out in the terms and conditions of the scheme, participants are issued with a Scheme Action Record book which they are required to maintain and update to reflect the completion of their selected actions under the scheme. It is necessary for participants to also retain associated supporting documentation such as receipts and invoices.
In accordance with the terms and conditions of the scheme, a number of participants are selected at random for an administrative check each year for which they are required to return the action record book and their supporting documentation to demonstrate that they have completed their actions as required.
The person named was one of the participants selected for this administration check for year four of the scheme. However, following this check it was determined that the selected actions were not completed as required. The person named was therefore deemed ineligible for payment under year four of the scheme and the application of a penalty for the scheme year
An appeal was received by the Department from the person named in relation to this issue. This matter has been reviewed by an official in the Department and a letter has been issued to the person named confirming the outcome and outlining the appeal options available to the person named following the decision.