Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 June 2022
461. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which persons (details supplied) will be assisted with a scheme application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33469/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe persons named have been a participant in the Sheep Welfare Scheme since the first year of the scheme.
As set out in the terms and conditions of the scheme, as part of an administrative control process, each year a percentage of farmers are requested to return their Scheme Action Record book and supporting documentation, such as receipts or invoices relating to the completion of the selected actions, to the Department.
Where the Scheme Action Record Book has not been received by the Department, this will be seen as a breach of the scheme obligations and will result in no payments for the relevant scheme year and a 20% administrative penalty based on the overall amount which would have been payable in the scheme year will be imposed.
Applicants are advised in the terms and conditions of the scheme that in the event that a query arises as to the receipt by the Department of an Action Record book, an applicant will be required to produce proof of postage in the form of a Registered Post receipt or a SwiftPost receipt. A certificate of postage is not accepted as proof of postage.
The persons named were selected as part of this administrative control check for year 5 of the Sheep Welfare Scheme. My Department has no record of receiving the Scheme Action Record book from the persons named as required under the terms and conditions of the scheme.
An appeal has been received by my Department and is now being examined. It may be necessary to write to the person named to request additional supporting information, such as proof of postage as outlined above.
The persons named will be notified in writing of the decision of the review. If they are not satisfied with the outcome of this appeal, they will have the option of submitting a further appeal to the Agriculture Appeals Office.
