Colm Keaveney (Galway East, Independent)
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340. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Galway may expect a decision on their appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43229/13]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The above-named joined the Organic Farming Scheme in March 2008 with a contract start date of 1 April 2008 and an end date of 31 December 2013. Participants in the Scheme must hold an organic licence for the duration of their contract.

My Department were informed by the Organic Control Body, responsible for the issuing of organic licences that the above-named had lapsed as an organic operator with effect from 31 December 2012. In accordance with the terms and conditions of the Organic Farming Scheme my Department sought recoupment of all monies paid. I understand that some monies have been recouped from other scheme payments of the person named and offset against the amount owed in accordance with the governing Scheme conditions.

The person named sought a review of this decision. The decision was reviewed by a senior official in my Department who upheld the original decision. The person named has recently been notified in writing of the outcome of this review and has been given the option of appealing the decision to the Agriculture Appeals Office.