Kevin O'Keeffe
Ceist:582. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding an appeal in respect of persons (details supplied). [7177/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 14 February 2017
Ceisteanna (582)
Freagraí scríofa
The persons named submitted an application under the 2015 Scottish Derogation Scheme. Under EU Regulations governing the Scottish Derogation measure of the Basic Payment scheme, processing of applications involves administrative checks to verify that the applicant had been actively farming in the Beef, Dairying, Sheep or Arable sectors on 15 May 2013. The persons named in this case applied on the grounds of Beef production. However upon review of the evidence held by my Department, the persons named were found to have no production of Beef on 15 May 2013, and were advised in writing that the application was unsuccessful.
The persons named subsequently appealed this decision and the application was fully reviewed. However there was no evidence provided to alter the Department's decision. Following this review the persons named were advised that their appeal was unsuccessful and were provided with the option to further appeal to the Independent Appeals Committee, which they duly submitted.
The Agricultural Appeals Office has recently finalised arrangements to manage such appeals and in this regard the Agricultural Appeals Office were notified of this appeal on 6th February 2017. The Agricultural Appeals Office will be in direct contact with the person named with regard to the appeal.