Agri-Environment Options Scheme Payments

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 May 2015

Tuesday, 26 May 2015

Ceisteanna (386)

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

386. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will receive a payment under the agri-environment options scheme; the reason for the delay; the reason farmers were informed, in reply to questions in Dáil Éireann, that payment would be made as soon as possible when no payment has yet issued as of mid-May 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20101/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The person named was approved for participation in the 2012 Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS 3) with effect from 1 May 2013.

The application of the person named was selected for an on-farm inspection in 2014, during which non-compliances with the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme were noted and penalties were applied. Where penalties have been imposed under the scheme, they must be deducted and recorded electronically, to ensure full compatibility with all EU regulations and to provide an enhanced audit trail.  Payment was made as soon as the new functionality became available.

The first instalment of the 2014 payment issued on 15 May 2015 and the balance issued on 20 May 2015. There are no outstanding payments due on this contract.