Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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463. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to set out the number of BPS payments which were withheld due to LPIS; if any outstanding payments that have been subsequently approved after audit have issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40895/16]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The processing of applications under the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) is a complex administrative task and one that remains a top priority for my Department. The scheme is fully funded by the European Union and the relevant Competent Authorities in each Member State are obliged to ensure that the requirements of the governing EU Regulations are observed and that only valid applications that fully comply with the requirements are paid. The administration of the scheme in each Member State is subjected to close scrutiny by officials of the EU Commission and the EU Court of Auditors to ensure that the regulatory requirements are met and that the Schemes are applied in a uniform manner across the European Union.

In particular my Department is bound, under EU Regulations, to maintain the accuracy the Land Parcel Identification System (LPIS), which underpins the processing of applications under the BPS and Direct Payment Schemes. Given the importance of the LPIS database in underpinning these payments, worth in excess of €1.5billion annually, my Department is obliged under EU Regulations to ensure its accuracy. All applications under the BPS are subject to administrative checks including ongoing reviews of updated imagery, with a further 5% also subject to land eligibility inspections in compliance with EU legislation.

Where issues preventing payment are identified contact is immediately made with the applicant concerned in order to resolve the query. Work is well underway in resolving the queries that have arisen following these checks and farmers are being contacted as necessary. Many of these issues are not LPIS related and may relate to dual claims, probate, late application, etc. To date payments in excess of €1.15 billion have issued to over 121,600 applicants. Approximately another 5,000 applicants have entitlements under the BPS or have an application in to receive entitlements. Regular payment runs are being made in respect of all applicants whose applications are fully processed and who have no outstanding errors.