Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 May 2016
332. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine why a person (details supplied) is not being paid under the agri-environment options scheme for 2015, given the person cannot manage without the payment for 2015 and acted in good faith at all times; if this matter will be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12221/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named commenced their AEOS contract on 1 November 2010. Payment issued for the 2010-2014 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 of the person named was also selected for an on-farm inspection which took place on 17 December 2015. During this inspection non-compliances with the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme were noted in relation to the Traditional Stone Wall Maintenance action which resulted in a penalty being incurred. The application was processed on the basis of the inspection findings and payment in respect of the 2015 Scheme year, less penalty, issued in late April, however due to a clerical error the penalty was incorrectly applied. A refund of the incorrectly applied penalty was processed on 23 May 2016 and will be in the bank account belonging to the person named shortly.
