Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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593. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on correspondence regarding fines in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29305/14]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The person named commenced in the REPS4 Scheme on 1 November 2008 and his contract under the Scheme ended on 31 December 2013. On examination of his REPS file, it was found that he was claiming Natura payments on land which was not designated as Natura land but rather was designated as proposed NHA (Natural Heritage Area). The person named arranged for an amended REPS plan in relation to his REPS4 contract for 2011 and subsequent years to be submitted at that stage.

In these circumstances, Department officials had no option but to claw-back the amount already overclaimed and overpaid on the relevant designated areas. This REPS overpayment of €3935.04 was recouped from his 2013 REPS and Single Farm Payments. The person named is entitled to appeal this decision through a review with the relevant Regional Inspector and subsequently through the Agriculture Appeals Office.