Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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304. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason some of the agri-environment options scheme 2 payments for 2014, in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo, were kept back; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8169/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The person named was approved for participation in the 2011 Agri Environment Options Scheme (AEOS 2) with effect from the 1^stSeptember 2011. 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.

For the 2014 scheme year, the person named was paid 100% of the amount calculated for that scheme year, less €249.36 in respect of reduced areas calculated following an on-the-ground inspection in 2012.

However, officials are currently carrying out a full review of the application. It is expected that this review should be completed shortly and the person named will be notified of the outcome once that review has been completed.

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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305. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly will receive up-to-date payments under the agri-environment options scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8182/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The person named was approved for participation in the 2012 Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS 3) with effect from the 1st May 2013 and full entitlements have issued in respect of the 2013 Scheme year. 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. Payments in respect of the 2014 Scheme year are subject to a similar administrative checking process which includes the requirement to return a valid Soil Sample Declaration.

My Department has yet to receive a Soil Sample Declaration from the person named and Department officials have been in contact with the person named regarding this. Payment for 2014 will issue at the earliest opportunity once this issue has been resolved and all validations have been successfully completed.