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Nitrates Directive Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 May 2013

Thursday, 2 May 2013

Ceisteanna (213)

Dan Neville

Ceist:

213. Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if an official in his Department will contact a person (details supplied) in County Limerick regarding a single farm payment and fine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21044/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The person named was the subject of a nitrates inspection by my Department, on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, on 15 February 2012. This inspection recorded breaches under the nitrates regulations relating to the inadequate collection of manure, inadequate management of storage facilities for manure and the stockpiling of farmyard manure on land in contravention of regulations regarding the maintenance of buffer zones. As a result a penalty of 20% was recorded against the applicant’s 2012 direct payments. The applicant was notified of this decision on 23 February 2012.

The applicant requested a review of this decision and the outcome of the review, which was to uphold the original decision, was notified by letter dated 5 October 2012. The applicant was also advised of the right to appeal the outcome of the review to the independent Agriculture Appeals Office, within three months of the date of the review letter. My Department understands that no such appeal was lodged. My Department is in the process of contacting the person concerned to restate the position.

In terms of assisting the person concerned to become compliant in the future, I would draw attention to the Farm Advisory System,FAS, under which my Department approves and trains advisors on the detail of the requirements under the various cross compliance measures. A list of approved FAS advisors is available on my Department’s website.

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