Noel Harrington (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 508: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding an agri environmental option scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16382/12]

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 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, must be completed before any payment can issue. The application was selected for a ground inspection which resulted in a penalty being imposed. This penalty is currently being processed and payment in respect of 2010 will issue to the person named at the earliest opportunity.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 509: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the agri environmental option scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16383/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Despite the financial pressures facing my Department I have made provision in 2012 for €243 million under agri-environment schemes. I am also considering the possibility of re-opening AEOS on an amended basis or limited scale in 2012. This decision will be taken in the context of my Department's expenditure ceiling for 2013 as agreed by the Government, and in particular, on how a new scheme might be funded within the reduced funding and resulting pressures on the Vote. I will make an announcement on this matter in due course.