Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 211: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of farmers that have been paid their agri-environmental options scheme payment; when he expects that the payments will be up to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29277/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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. Payment issues as soon as an application successfully passes these checks and to date, a total of 2,850 farmers have received 75% of their 2010 entitlement. In the remaining cases, payment will issue or the applicants will be informed of any issues to be resolved by the end of this month. Payment of the remaining 25% of the 2010 entitlement will also commence in the next few weeks. Payments in respect of 2011 will commence in December.

Paul Connaughton (Galway East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 212: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will be awarded their area based payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29282/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In order to receive payment under the 2011 Disadvantaged Area Scheme, applicants were required to submit an application prior to the closing date, 16 May 2011. While records held by my Department indicate that a pre-printed 2011 SPS application form was sent to the person named on 29 March 2011, my Department has no record of receiving an application from the person named. All application forms sent out by my Department contained a pre-addressed return envelope, with a Swift-post label attached, for which the herd owner receives a receipt from the Post Office upon posting. If the person named can provide this proof of postage or provide an explanation as to why the application form was not returned, my Department will review the case based on any information and documentation submitted.

James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 213: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Longford will receive their disadvantage area payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29284/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 18th April 2011. This application was selected for and was the subject of a Ground Eligibility/Grassland Sheep Scheme Inspection. This inspection was initiated on the 7th of October and the results are now being processed.

Under EU regulations governing the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme and the Single Payments Scheme all Ground Eligibility Inspections must be completed before any payment can issue to any applicant under either scheme, including those not selected for a Ground Eligibility Inspection. In the vast majority of inspected cases amendments have had to be made to the maps in order that the Land Parcel Identification System that is used for making payments to farmers is kept up-to-date. Processing of these changes is continuing and priority is given to applications who were the subject of a Ground Eligibility Inspection.

James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 214: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath will receive their disadvantage area payment; if other entitlements are due to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29285/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

An application under the 2011 Single Payment/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 5 May 2011. This application is currently being processed, with a view to payment at an early date. The 50% advance payments under the Single Payment Scheme are scheduled to commence issuing as and from 17 October 2011.