Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 504: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 315 of 24 May 2011, if he will clarify the position (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15082/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Further to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 315 of 24 May 2011, in assessing eligibility for payment under the Income Supplement scheme, the eligibility criterion which requires that more than 10% of animals must be removed under the scheme is calculated by reference to the total number of animals, including calves, presented by the herdowner at the herd test. In the letter notifying him to test, the herdowner was advised of the age profile of animals which must be presented for testing and the onus is on him to follow those instructions. Any calves presented for the test, regardless of age, were included in the calculation. Animals deceased prior to the date of the relevant test were not included in the calculation.

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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Question 505: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding the delay in payments to 2010 applicants under the agri-environment options scheme; and if he will give reassurances that these delays will not be repeated in 2011. [15107/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Under the EU Regulations governing the Agri-Environment Options 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. I expect that payments to participants in the scheme in respect of the first year will commence in August and that payments in respect of year two will commence in October. I am working with my officials to bring the payments forward if at all possible as I can understand the need for expediency.