Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding an agri environment option scheme appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56365/12]

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 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. The person named was selected for a ground inspection which took place on 12th May 2011. During this inspection, areas of non-compliance with the terms and condition of the scheme were noted in relation to Tree Planting Standard Option which resulted in a penalty being imposed. A letter issued to the person named informing him of this penalty and giving him the option to appeal the decision. An appeal was lodged with the Agriculture Appeals Office on 5th March 2012 and an oral hearing took place on 12th November 2012. The file has been reviewed and a letter issued to the person named on 30th November 2012 informing him that his appeal was successful.

The application will now be processed based on the outcome of this appeal.