Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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531. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the reason an application by a person (details supplied) for eel compensation has not issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5461/19]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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533. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when letter of offers will issue to applicants to the eel hardship fund; the timescale in which they should receive payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5484/19]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 531 and 533 together.

The Eel Support Scheme is being administered by inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI).

Correspondence issued from IFI in the first instance to applicants whose applications were deemed not to meet the criteria for the Support scheme. This was to facilitate possible appeals to the decision of IFI as regards eligibility or other matters. I will be extending the deadline for the receipt of appeals to 5.00 p.m. on Friday 22 February 2019.

I am advised by IFI that individualised letters of offer to applicants deemed eligible, based on individual verification of the records held by the State in respect of each applicant, are being issued. A key element of offers is to outline clearly the need for recipients to comply with all Revenue requirements and to make the appropriate tax return to the Revenue Commissioners.

Payment can issue to any individual applicant once the applicant communicates, in writing, formal acceptance of the offer and confirmation of undertaking to adhere to the conditions of the scheme and the letter of offer. I understand, therefore, that payment dates are likely to vary based on the response of each applicant.

I am not in a position to comment on any individual’s personal financial arrangements.