Vol. 577 No. 3
162 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if, following the introduction of decoupling, penalties incurred by farmers for non-compliance, will be recouped by the Government and his Department; if, under the current criteria, such penalties are recouped by the European Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30764/03]
The position is that under the present EU premia schemes the nett amount paid to farmers, following the imposition of penalties for non-compliance with the scheme requirements, is recouped by Ireland from the European Commission.
Provision is made in the Council regulation governing the single payment system for member states to retain 25% of penalties imposed on farmers arising from breaches of the cross compliance requirements. Negotiations on detailed rules governing the single payment system are due to commence early in the new year and a final decision by Ireland on how to implement this provision will be taken once the detailed rules are agreed.
