Michael McNamara (Clare, Labour)
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323. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will explain the difference between the terms and conditions of the 2013 and 2014 single payment scheme, with regard to instances where the inspector fails to make contact with the applicant on arrival for an unannounced inspection; if the procedure prescribed in the terms and conditions of the 2013 single payment scheme, as per the last paragraph of page 19, will be re-instated in the basic payment scheme terms and conditions in 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11092/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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My Department compiles a Terms and Conditions booklet each year covering the various Direct Payment Schemes and Rural Development measures. This document provides a summary of the requirements and is prepared as an aid to applicants. However, it should be recognised that the governing EU regulations form the definitive basis for the administration of the various schemes, including those requirements related to inspections and controls. The terms and conditions booklet is prepared annually and is amended to take account of any changes in the governing regulations, as well other factors including audit findings, which impact on the administration of the schemes.

The specific paragraph in the 2013 and 2014 Terms and Conditions booklet referred to by the Deputy was removed in order to facilitate the efficient and effective delivery of my Department’s inspection s under the Direct Payment Schemes.