Agri-Environment Options Scheme Payments

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 May 2015

Tuesday, 26 May 2015

Ceisteanna (387)

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

387. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will receive the remainder of a payment for 2013 and a payment for 2014 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. [20102/15]

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 AEOS, the y 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 was available.

The balance of the 2013 payment issued on 18/5/15 and the 2014 advance payment will issue this week.