Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 425: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding the outstanding REP scheme 4 payment due in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20862/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The person named commenced REPS 4 in June 2009 and full payment representing year 1 issued in respect of the first seven months. Full year payment in respect of year 2 totalling €8,181.80 issued in May 2011. I expect payments in respect of 2011 to commence later this year.

Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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Question 426: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will explain the difficulties which have given rise to late payments in the agri-environment options scheme in 2011; and when he expects payments to be awarded to the AEOS1 applicants. [20863/11]

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.