Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 February 2007
496 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow who has applied for the single farm payment; if same will be awarded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5133/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named contacted my Department on 28th November 2006, stating that she had not submitted a 2006 Single Payment Scheme Application, and wished to do so at that time.
The closing date for receipt of applications under the 2006 Single Payment Scheme was originally Monday April 24th 2006. This date was subsequently extended to Monday May 15th 2006. The initial deadline was clearly highlighted in the SPS application packs, including an application form with pre printed information entered by applicants on their 2005 SPS application, sent to all farmers with SPS entitlements towards the end of March 2006. Both the initial and revised deadlines were widely publicised by advertising in the Local and National media.
The relevant EU Regulations provide for a 25-day period, after May 15th 2006, in which late applications could be accepted. However, a 1% penalty per working day (not calendar day) is imposed on late applications received during this period. The closing date for this period was Friday June 9th 2006. Applications submitted after this period had ended i.e. after June 9th 2006, are subject to a total 100% loss of payments. Accordingly, my Department could not accept an application from the person named on or after 28th November 2006 without the provision of adequate evidence that there were exceptional circumstances/force majeure for not submitting the application within the deadline.
The person named lodged an appeal with my Department but the required evidence was deemed not to have been provided. It was confirmed in writing to the person named that a late application could not be accepted, and that a further appeal could be made to the Agricultural Appeals Office. A ‘Notice of Appeal' application was included. The Agricultural Appeals Office is currently reviewing this case.
