Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when an agri environment options scheme payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41691/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1st September 2010 and full payment totalling €1,666.66 issued in respect of 2010. 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.

Payment in respect of the 2011 Scheme year is subject to a similar administrative checking process which includes verification of capital investment through checks on receipts. During these checks a discrepancy was discovered in respect of the claimed areas on the Species Rich Grassland action. My Department has investigated this issue which resulted in a monetary penalty being imposed on the application. A letter detailing this penalty will issue to the person named and payment in respect of the 2011 scheme year will issue at the earliest opportunity.