Paul Connaughton (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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183. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not received payment in respect of the agri-environment scheme; when payment will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22084/13]

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 and full payments issued in respect of 2010 and 2011 respectively.

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 2nd October 2012. During this inspection, issues of non compliance with the terms and conditions of the scheme were noted in relation the Coppicing of Hedgerow action, which resulted in a penalty being imposed.

A letter issued to the person named informing his of this penalty and giving him the option to appeal the decision. The person named submitted an appeal to my Department which resulted in the original decision to apply the penalty being upheld. A letter issued to the person named on 15th March 2013 informing him of this and giving him the option of appeal to the Agriculture Appeals Office. To date no appeal has been received. Officials in my Department are finalising the payment in respect of the 2012 scheme year on the basis of this decision and payment will issue shortly.