The main reason for penalties in relation to arable or livestock premia payments is the late lodgement of applications under the various schemes. Other factors giving rise to penalties relate to non-compliance with the terms and conditions of schemes in relation to claimed and unclaimed animals and to overdeclaration of area under the area aid scheme.
It is not possible in the time available to give details of penalties in respect of each of the years specified. However, I am arranging to have information in respect of 1998, 1999 and 2000 schemes sent to the Deputy as soon as it becomes available. It should be noted that, since payments in respect of 2001 schemes will not be completed until 30 June 2002, it is not possible to determine the overall level of penalties to be applied until after that date. The number of applications received under each of the various schemes specified are shown in the following table.
No. of applications received from 1998 to 2001, inclusive