The Department has claimed back around €1m in penalties and undue claims. Photo: Barry Cronin.
ADVERTISEMENT
One agricultural consultant, who submitted applications on behalf of farmers, is being looked into for suspected irregularities with documentation submitted under the EU environmental scheme, which is part of the Rural Development Programme.
An investigation into applications was also carried out by the Department of Agriculture, which saw the Department claim back about €1m in penalties and undue payments.
A small number of cases are still to be investigated by the Department.
ADVERTISEMENT
“In the region of €3m has been paid out to the 300 or so cases involved up to the period of the commencement of the investigation,” a spokesperson for the Department said.
“Undue payments recovered and penalties imposed are approximately €1m.
“The Department understands that the matter is the subject of a garda investigation. The Department will not be making any further comment,” the spokesperson added.
Over €260m has been paid out to date for the AEOS scheme to 20,000 participants since the scheme started in 2010.
This content is available to digital subscribers and loyalty code users only. Sign in to your account, use the code or subscribe to get unlimited access.
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
CODE ACCEPTED
You have full access to the site until next Wednesday at 9pm.
CODE NOT VALID
Please try again or contact support.
One agricultural consultant, who submitted applications on behalf of farmers, is being looked into for suspected irregularities with documentation submitted under the EU environmental scheme, which is part of the Rural Development Programme.
An investigation into applications was also carried out by the Department of Agriculture, which saw the Department claim back about €1m in penalties and undue payments.
A small number of cases are still to be investigated by the Department.
“In the region of €3m has been paid out to the 300 or so cases involved up to the period of the commencement of the investigation,” a spokesperson for the Department said.
“Undue payments recovered and penalties imposed are approximately €1m.
“The Department understands that the matter is the subject of a garda investigation. The Department will not be making any further comment,” the spokesperson added.
Over €260m has been paid out to date for the AEOS scheme to 20,000 participants since the scheme started in 2010.
If you would like to speak to a member of our team, please call us on 01-4199525.
Link sent to your email address
We have sent an email to your address. Please click on the link in this email to reset your password. If you can't find it in your inbox, please check your spam folder. If you can't find the email, please call us on 01-4199525.
ENTER YOUR LOYALTY CODE:
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
SHARING OPTIONS