Written answers

Thursday, 2 June 2016

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Agri-Environment Options Scheme Applications

Photo of Michael Healy-RaeMichael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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276. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an application by a person (details supplied) under the agri-environment options scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14140/16]

Photo of Michael CreedMichael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The person named commenced their AEOS contract on 1 November 2010. Payment issued for the 2010 and 2011 Scheme years in the amount of €5,833.28.

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 4 October 2012.  During this inspection non-compliances with the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme were noted in relation to the Tree Planting and Species Rich Grassland actions which resulted in penalties being incurred. Due to the severity of the breaches of the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme the penalties incurred were far greater than the total payable amount of the AEOS contract. Therefore, the contract was terminated and the Department is recouping all monies paid under the Scheme.

AEOS is a voluntary scheme where applicants agree to abide by the Terms and Conditions on joining the Scheme. There are no circumstances where an applicant can receive payment for a contract where the Terms and Conditions are not adhered to. Any contractual issues between a herdowner and their professional adviser are totally a matter between both of those parties.

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