Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 February 2018
450. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) was penalised in respect of their farm payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8546/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named submitted a 2017 Basic Payment/Areas of Natural Constraint schemes application on 3 April 2017. EU Regulations governing the administration of these schemes require that full and comprehensive administrative checks, including in some cases on farm inspections, be completed before any payments issue.
The application of the person named was selected for a ground eligibility inspection. This inspection identified an over-declaration in areas exceeding 10% of the area claimed. This resulted in the area determined being reduced by 1.5 times the difference between the area claimed and area determined.
A letter detailing the initial inspection findings issued on 11 October 2017 and afforded the person named the opportunity to submit comments on the findings within 14 days. While comments were received from the person named these were received after the 14 day period and the inspection outcome was finalised and payments due processed. A letter detailing the final outcome of the inspection issued on 27 October 2017.
However, a review of the case was subsequently undertaken based on the comments received and the outcome of this process did not alter the original inspection findings. A further letter issued to the person named on 19 February detailing the final inspection findings and advising of their option to seek a review of the decision within 28 days of the date of this letter.
In the event that the person named is dissatisfied with the outcome of any such review, the decision can be appealed to the independent Agriculture Appeals Office, within 3 months.
Payments due under the Basic Payment and Areas of Natural Constraints Schemes, on the basis outlined above, issued to the nominated bank account of the person named on 4 December 2017 and 2 November 2017, respectively. In the event that there is any change to the inspection outcome following any further review, any monies due under these schemes will be processed promptly.
In relation to GLAS payments, the person named was approved into GLAS 1 with a contract commencement date of 1 October 2015 and has received all payments in respect of 2015 and 2016.
All GLAS claims must clear validation checks before payment can be made. My Department is working proactively to complete the checks required to allow for the issue of payments. Once this case clears the validations successfully the 2017 advance payment can be processed. GLAS payments are issuing on a weekly basis.
