Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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168. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a payment to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry under the agri-environment options scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4863/16]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The applicant commenced their AEOS 3 contract on 1 May 2013 and was paid in full for the 2013 -2014 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 the 27 August 2015.  During this inspection non-compliances with the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme were noted in relation to the Species Rich Grassland action which resulted in a penalty being incurred.  The applicant was notified of the inspection results by letter dated 2 December 2015 and advised of his right to seek a review by the Regional Inspector within 10 working days. The Regional Inspector did not receive any appeal.

The application will now be processed on the basis of the inspection findings and payment in respect of the 2015 Scheme year, less the appropriate penalty, will issue at the earliest opportunity.