Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:214. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a penalty (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28927/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 5 October 2016
Ceisteanna (214)
Freagraí scríofa
The AEOS application associated with the Herd Number quoted commenced on 1 November 2011. Payment issued for the 2011-2014 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 3 July 2015. During this inspection serious non-compliances with the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme were noted in relation to the Traditional Hay Meadow and Species Rich Grassland action which resulted in penalties being incurred. The penalties that were applied are set out in the Terms and Conditions of the scheme and the relevant EU Regulations.
The applicant was informed of the findings of the inspection in a letter dated 12 October 2015. He was given the opportunity to request a review of that decision to the Regional Inspector. However, there is no record of such a review request being received.
In addition to the above penalty for 2015, a clawback in respect of payments made on the ineligible areas was detailed to the applicant in a letter dated 7th June 2016. There have also been numerous communications in relation to this case.