Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 November 2012
849. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a payment is outstanding to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47379/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn order to comply with EU requirements, the 2011 Single Payment Scheme application of the person named was selected for a Ground Eligibility inspection. Arising from the findings of this inspection, it was necessary to reduce the payment due, to reflect a reduction in area, in accordance with the Terms and Conditions of the Schemes. The applicant was advised of this outcome and the reasons for it on 2nd May 2012. The applicant was also advised of the right to seek a review and also of the right to appeal the outcome of any such review, in due course, to the independent Agriculture Appeals Office. To date, no such request has been received.
As payments under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme had already issued, my Department initiated a process to recoup this overpayment, as required under EU regulations, and a letter issued to the applicant on 1st June 2012 informing him of the overpayment and how it could be repaid. As no repayment was made, the overpayment was subsequently recouped from other payments due to the applicant from the Department in September and October 2012. Where the outcome of any review/appeal process, should such be initiated, results in a change to the reduction/penalty originally applied, any monies owing will be refunded.
