Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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522. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding an agri-environment options scheme payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; if he will expedite this payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22443/13]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The person named was approved for participation in the 2011 Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1st September 2011 and full payment totalling €1,089.08 issued in respect 2011.

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 2 November 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 Tree Planting - Standard 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. An appeal was received from the person named and it is currently being considered. The person named will be notified in writing of the outcome of this appeal once a decision has been made.