Written answers

Tuesday, 3 February 2015

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Agri-Environment Options Scheme Payments

Photo of Éamon Ó CuívÉamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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343. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment will issue under the AEOS1 scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; the reason for the delay in issuing this payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4865/15]

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The person named was approved for participation in the 2010 Agri Environment Options Scheme (AEOS 1) with effect from 1 September 2010 and payment has issued in respect of the 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 Scheme years. 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 also selected for an on-farm inspection which took place on 19 August 2014. During this inspection non-compliances with the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme were noted in relation to the Traditional Stone Wall Maintenance action which resulted in a penalty being incurred. The application will now be processed on the basis of the inspection findings and payment in respect of the 2014 Scheme year, less penalty, will issue at the earliest opportunity.

Photo of Michael RingMichael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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344. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) will receive their AEOS payments; the reason for the delay in payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4866/15]

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The person named is an applicant under the Agri-Environment Options Scheme 2010. A Department review of the non-productive capital investment claims submitted by applicants was undertaken in 2014. This review shows irregularities with documentation submitted for reimbursement in some of these claims. A full Department investigation is now underway into this matter and further payments to any AEOS participants included in this review are being held for the time being.  A decision on any future payment cannot be determined until the findings of the investigation are to hand. My Department has written to each of the people concerned on 28 January to explain the situation.

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