Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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240. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to set out the status of the case of a person (details supplied) in respect of the agri-environment options scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18950/16]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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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 entirely a matter between those parties.

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.

It is open to the person named to contact the Department’s Offices in Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford if they wish to discuss the recoupment options that may be considered in this case.