Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 September 2013
226. Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding an application which is at penalty review status and file being processed in respect of a person (details supplied) [40326/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 for 2011 non compliances with the Terms and Conditions of the scheme were noted in relation to the Planting New Hedgerows and Establishment and Maintenance of Habitats actions which resulted in a penalty being incurred. Full 2011 payment totalling €1,029.98 (net of penalty) has now issued to the person named – 75% payment issued on 17 April 2013 and the balancing 25% payment issued on 24 April 2013.
Payments in respect of the 2012 Scheme year are subject to a similar administrative checking process which includes verification of capital investment through checks on receipts. The person named was selected for a ground inspection which took place on 26 October 2012. During this inspection, areas of non-compliance with the terms and condition of the scheme were noted in relation to the Species Rich Grassland and Traditional Hay Meadow actions which resulted in a further penalty being imposed. On 27 June 2013, a letter issued to the person named informing him of this and outlining his appeal option. To date, there is no record of an appeal having been received by officials in my Department. The application is being finalised on the basis of the inspection findings and payment will issue shortly.
