Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 November 2013
383. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will expedite the full amount of single farm payments and disadvantaged areas payments in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48291/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department received a 2013 Transfer of Entitlements application form on 3 May 2013 from the person named to transfer 16.73 entitlements by way of sale. This application was processed and acceptance letters were issued on 22 May 2013. The person named submitted an application under the 2013 Single Payment and Disadvantaged Area Schemes on 18 April 2013. EU Regulations governing the administration of these schemes require that full and comprehensive administrative checks, including in some cases, land eligibility inspections, be completed before any payments issue.
In order to meet the EU requirements, the application concerned was one of a number which was selected for inspection. The application was initially examined via remote sensing (Satellite Inspection). As over claims were determined on some parcels, these were sent for ground inspection. The ground inspection process confirmed an over claim of greater than 3% but less than 20% in this case. The person named was notified of this decision on 8 November 2013 and was also informed of his right to seek a review of this decision. To date there is no record of any appeal having been received in my Department. Payments due will issue shortly based on the reduced eligible area following the application of the appropriate penalty.
