Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 July 2012
544 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person will receive his outstanding payment under the agri-environment option scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31772/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1 November 2010. 75% payment, totalling €624.99 has issued in respect of 2010.
Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. The person named was selected for a ground inspection which took place on 13 May 2011. During this inspection, areas of non-compliance with the terms and condition of the scheme were noted in relation to the Species Rich Grassland Option which resulted in a penalty being imposed. A letter issued to the person named on 23 November 2011 informing him of this penalty and giving him the option to appeal the decision. To date, no appeal has been received in the Department. The penalty amount of €25.12 will be deducted from the balancing 25% payment which will issue shortly.
Payments in respect of the 2011 scheme year are subject to a similar administrative checking process. Following the payment of year 1, the administrative checking process in respect of year 2 will be completed.
