Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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74. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to improve the consistency of on-farm inspections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39241/13]

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Independent)
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89. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to ensure that there is a standardised inspection regime for on-farm inspections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39363/13]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 74 and 89 together.

My Department, in the context of delivering the Single Payment Scheme, Disadvantaged Areas Scheme and other area related schemes, is required to carry out an annual round of inspections covering both the eligibility of the land declared to draw down payments and also cross compliance aspects, to ensure adherence with EU regulatory requirements in the areas of public, animal and plant health, environment and animal welfare and ensuring that the farm is maintained in good agricultural and environmental condition. The basis for these inspections is governed by EU legislation, in particular, Council Regulation (EC) 73/2009 and Commission Regulation (EC) 1122/2009, and there are certain minimum numbers and types of inspections that must be conducted each year.

These inspections are a necessary requirement in order to draw down approximately €1.7 billion of EU funds annually and to avoid EU disallowances. The inspections are subject to repeated audits by the European Commission, the European Court of Auditors and the Comptroller and Auditor General's Office, to ensure full compliance with the requirements. My Department must therefore ensure that these inspections are conducted in a fair and equitable manner and in full accordance with the legislative provisions. These requirements, together with the need to ensure a consistent approach, are achieved by ongoing inspector training, continuous oversight by supervisors and random verification inspections. Also when conducting inspections standardised inspection report forms and guidance documentation are provided to the inspecting officers, with the inspection outcome being recorded on the relevant schemes' IT system. This comprehensive approach ensures that both the quality and consistency of inspections are maintained at extremely high levels.

Finally, there is a comprehensive appeal system in place for applicants to avail of if they consider that the inspection has not been conducted in accordance with legislative requirements or if they are unhappy with the inspection findings. This appeal system incorporates an initial review by an officer more senior than the inspecting officer, with the option to appeal the outcome of any such review to the independent Agriculture Appeals Office. In the event that an applicant is not satisfied with the outcome of this review he/she has the right to pursue the matter further with the Office of the Ombudsman.