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 of September 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. During these checks a discrepancy arose in relation to the parcel use on two of the land parcels listed on the application of the person named. Officials in my Department have been in direct contact with the person named with a view to resolving the problem and issuing payment as quickly as possible.

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 466: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30826/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The person named commenced REPS 4 in January 2009 and received full payment for the first two years of their contract. In addition, 75% of their third year payment issued on 13th June 2011 for the amount of €5,551.85.

An area based discrepancy was subsequently discovered following a cross check between the SPS application for 2010 from the person named and the REPS agri-environmental plan which has resulted in the imposition of a penalty and a delay in processing the final 25% payment under REPS 4 for 2010. My Department is currently making arrangements to process the outstanding 25% payments to farmers in instances where penalties have been imposed. These outstanding payments will commence in the next week or so.

Arrangements are also well advanced to issue payments in respect of 2011 and I expect that these payments will commence in November.