Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Question 611: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding a single farm payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [11392/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The application received from the person named was the subject of a Remote Sensing (i.e. Satellite Inspection). The results of this inspection indicated that over-claims existed on land parcels declared in the application. With a view to verifying the results of the Remote Sensing Inspection a ground inspection of these parcels was arranged. The findings of the inspection confirmed that the total over-claim in the land declared by the applicant was greater than 50%.

In such circumstances, the penalty provided for in Commission Regulation (EC) No 1122/2009 is that no payment can issue in the year in question. In addition, an administrative fine equalling the money equivalent of the over claim must be deducted from payments due to the applicant over the following three years. The person named was informed of the over claim by letter dated 23 December 2011. That letter also informed the applicant that he had a right to appeal. No appeal has thus far been received. On receipt of any appeal the matter will be re-examined by my Department.

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 1 November 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, have to be completed before any payment can issue. During these checks a query arose in respect of land parcels declared which require digitisation of the areas concerned. This is being dealt with by my Department at present and once the digitisation process is completed, the application will be processed with a view to making payment at the earliest opportunity.