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Agri-Environment Options Scheme Payments

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 May 2014

Tuesday, 13 May 2014

Ceisteanna (511)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

511. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will pay the full AEOS payment in one instalment to farmers in view of the delays in issuing payments for 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20962/14]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The regulations governing the Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS) require that administrative checks must be carried out on all applications and on-the-spot checks must be carried out on at least 5% of beneficiaries.

The regulations further provide that Member States may issue up to 75% of the payment, but no more than that, once all administrative checks have been completed. The balancing 25% may issue only after all on-the-spot checks have been completed. It is not an option to make the full AEOS payment in a single instalment without deferring payment until such time as all checks are complete. It is for that reason that my Department opts to issue payment in two tranches, ensuring that participants receive up to 75% of the entire amount due as soon as possible.

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