Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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575. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Meath will be awarded the agri-environment options scheme payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25631/13]

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 1 December 2010 and full payments totalling €268.05 and €3,550.53 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 17 September 2012. During this inspection, areas of non-compliance with the terms and condition of the scheme were noted in relation to the Traditional Hay Meadow action which will result in a penalty being imposed. On 21 February 2013, a letter issued to the person named outlining the nature of the penalty and the appeal option. To date, no appeal has been received by officials in my Department. The application is being finalised on the basis of the inspection findings and payment will issue shortly.