Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 March 2013
416. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will receive their sheep grassland payment, suckler welfare payment and agri-environment options scheme payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11027/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named registered 32 animals for the 2012 Suckler Welfare Scheme. The required events information has been submitted for 14 animals and payment of €560 was approved. However, a then outstanding overpayment of €261.16 in respect of the Grassland Sheep Scheme 2011 was set off against the Suckler Welfare amount, resulting in payment of €298.84 being made on 19 December 2012. The remaining 18 animals will be considered for payment when the required events information has been received and found to be in order.
However, following further examination of the 2011 Grassland Sheep Scheme application, the outstanding issue was resolved and the monies previously recouped in respect of 2011, as well as all monies due under the 2012 Grassland Sheep Scheme, issued to the nominated bank account on 4 March 2012. The person named was approved for participation in the 2011 Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1 September 2011.
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. During these checks a query arose in relation to a parcel used for Wild Bird Cover. This issue has now been resolved and payments for 2011 have issued to the nominated bank account. Payments in respect of the 2012 Scheme year are subject to a similar administrative checking process which includes verification of capital investments through checks on receipts. These checks have now been completed and following the payment for 2011, the payment in respect of 2012 will be finalised.
