Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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495. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when agri-environment option scheme payments will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22147/13]

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 December 2010 and full payment totalling €114.72 issued in respect of 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. Payments in respect of the 2011 Scheme year are subject to a similar administrative checking process which includes verification of capital investment through checks on receipts. These checks have now been finalised and payment for the 2011 scheme year will issue shortly.

Paul Connaughton (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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496. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not received their payment; when their payment will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22150/13]

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 totalling €237.98 and €3,565.56 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 application of the person named was selected for a ground inspection which took place on 19th September 2012. During this inspection, areas of non-compliance with the terms and conditions of the scheme were noted in relation to the Planting of New Hedgerow and Water Trough Installation actions 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. As no record of an appeal has been received, my Department is now processing the application of the person named to apply the penalty and payment will shortly issue on this basis.