Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 February 2015
79. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the relevant file in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway will be sent by his Department to the agricultural appeals office to allow that office proceed with the person's appeal; and the reason there has been a delay in sending this file. [5123/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named was approved for participation in the 2011 Agri Environment Options Scheme (AEOS 2) with effect from 1 September 2011 and payment has issued in respect of the 2011, 2012 and 2013 Scheme years. 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. The application was selected for a ground inspection which took place on 8 August 2014. During this inspection an issue arose in respect of the non-declaration of Natura on the AEOS 2 application form. The person named appealed the Inspector’s decision to the independent Agriculture Appeals Office (AAO). The appeal could not be processed by that Office until an internal Department review of the initial decision had first taken place. This review is now complete and the file will be sent to the AAO directly.
