Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 February 2014
536. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers due rural environment protection scheme 4 and agri-environment options scheme 3 payments who have been paid to date; the number awaiting payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6878/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the EU Regulations governing the REP Scheme, the Agri-Environment Options 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. This process has now been completed for 2013 REPS4 payments and 24,972 participants have been paid their 2013 REPS4 payment in full out of a total of 29,235 participants.
There are currently 5,981 active participants in the 2012 Agri Environment Options Scheme (AEOS 3). Again, the comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. These checks are well under way and I anticipate that payments for the AEOS 3 in respect of 2013 will commence in March.
