Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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279. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to outline the position regarding his Department demanding clawback from persons who, with the aid of forestry companies, in some cases decades ago, planted land and have been grant aided ever since, but with the introduction of remote sensing technology have now been accused of overclaiming in respect of an area and have been asked to repay within a very short period, despite original acceptance of the area by the Department and despite claims for grant aid being made in good faith; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5052/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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In common with the other schemes administered by my Department, there is a duty to seek recovery of any amounts found to have been overpaid in respect of afforestation grants or premiums. This can occur where a claim is submitted for an area greater than the area actually planted. Such a breach of the terms and conditions of the scheme can be detected by utilising ortho photography or a ground inspection of the plantation.  Before notifying a debt, the file is reviewed and all the circumstances of the case are taken into consideration.

When an applicant is notified of an overpayment they are provided with full details of the reasons for the overpayment and also advised of their right to request a review of the debt decision. If an applicant is not satisfied with the outcome of the review they may further appeal the decision to the independent Agriculture Appeals Office. This provides for a transparent process which allows due process to the applicant while protecting public money.

While 30 days is given for repayment of the debt, the applicant can seek an extended period to repay due to their circumstances.