Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 February 2015
71. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding a rural environment protection scheme payment appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6161/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named commenced REPS 4 in June 2008 and has received payments for the entire six years of his contract. REPS 4 is a measure under the 2007-13 Rural Development Programme and is subject to EU regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before any payments can issue. Following the administrative checks in 2013 an issue was discovered in relation to the reclassification of 5.78 ha. of Natura lands requiring the subsequent clawback of moneys based on the difference between the higher and lower rate of payment. A letter issued in September 2013 advising the person named of the clawback amounting to €1,318.42 and of the right of appeal. The person named appealed this decision and this decision is currently under review in my Department.
