Colm Keaveney (Galway East, Labour)
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Question 330: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will forward details in relation to an appeal for agri-environment options scheme/Natura 2000 scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and when payment will issue. [22576/12]

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 having completed the Form N option, indicating that he had designated lands.

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 this administrative checking process it was discovered that the parcels listed on Form N were not designated areas. My Department subsequently rejected the application as the scheme Terms and Conditions had not been complied with. A letter issued to the person named on 18th April 2012 setting out this decision and providing the option to submit an appeal. An appeal was received in writing on 26th April and officials in my Department are currently reviewing the file. The person named will shortly be notified in writing of the result.