Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

432. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total amount paid to date to a person (details supplied) under AEOS 3; the amount sought back from the person due to the failure to complete the soil sample in time although it was completed 16 days later on 16 April 2014; if the person will be totally excluded from receiving AEOS payments; his views on whether the penalty is proportionate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40573/16]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The person named commenced their AEOS contract on 1 May 2013 and it was due to run up to 31 December 2018.  Payments totalling €6,160.43 have issued in respect of the 2013-2014 Scheme years.

In order to comply with the eligibility requirements of AEOS3, soil sampling  had to be completed at any time from approval to join the scheme up to 31 March 2014. A written declaration had to be sent by the participant to the Department declaring that the soil samples had been taken in accordance with the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme and the timeframe contained therein.  A declaration was duly received to confirm that the soil sampling was carried out as required.

Following an inspection on 28 September 2015, issues arose in relation to the soil sampling where it was identified that the required action took place outside of the timeframe set down in the Terms and Conditions. This led to the application being rejected, and the recoupment sought of all monies paid.

The person named appealed this decision to the Regional Inspector who upheld the decision to reject the application. A letter detailing his decision was issued on 10 May 2016. The Agriculture Appeals Office have indicated that the person named has appealed the decision to that office and that office has made contact with the appellant to arrange an oral hearing in the case, following which a written decision will issue.