Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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1574. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a farm payment in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25731/16]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Previous Parliamentary Questions Nos. 373 and 407 on 14 July 2015 refer.

A query in respect of loss of compensation and consequential losses for sheep destocking following the implementation of the National Commonage Framework plans introduced in 1998 was received by my Department from the person named on 12 March 2015.

A reply issued directly to the person named on 23 June 2015 outlining the process by which the person named benefited in the calculation of his entitlements under the Single Payment Scheme by virtue of the destocking of part of his sheep flock. Under the provisions of the regulations governing the Single Payment Scheme, farmers, who had their stock numbers decreased due to the impact of an agri-environment measure, could use an alternative reference period (19997/98) for the calculation of their payment entitlements. Under these provisions, the total gross value of his entitlements increased from €5,542.94 to €14,744.93.

My Department subsequently received a further query on 3 July 2015 confirming that the question raised was in respect of sheep destocking and the compensation that was payable through the National Parks and Wildlife Services. Initial investigations indicate that the person named was in receipt of this compensation from 1999 through to and including 2001. My Department investigated the matter and responded directly in writing to the person named on 31 August 2015 outlining the position.