Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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59. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a payment to a person (details supplied) under the agri-environment options scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8797/16]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The person named commenced their AEOS contract on 1 September 2011. Payment issued for the 2010-2014 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 9 October 2015. During this inspection non-compliance with the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme were noted in relation to the Traditional Hay Meadow, Natura and Species Rich Grassland actions which resulted in a penalty being incurred. The application has been processed on the basis of the inspection findings and payment in respect of the 2015 Scheme year, less penalty, issued in two parts: 85% on 18 April 2016; and the remaining 15% on 22 April 2016.