Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 201: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applicants still awaiting approval under the agri-environmental options scheme for 2010; the number of farmers awaiting approval under this scheme in County Tipperary; the reasons for this delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36389/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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All 8,347 valid applicants have been approved for participation in the Agri-environment Options Scheme (AEOS) and there are no outstanding approvals. Payments in respect of 2010 are proceeding as quickly as possible. Under 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. This administration check has now been completed and my Department is now dealing with the discrepancies that have arisen on individual files following this check. I have given the highest priority to the processing and payment of outstanding AEOS payments and to the elimination of all unnecessary delays.