157. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he will issue payment to a person (details supplied) in County Galway under the agri-environment options scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3626/16]

The person named was approved for participation in the Agri Environment Options Scheme (AEOS 2) with effect from 1 September 2011.

Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. The application of the person named was selected for an on-farm inspection in 2015, during which non-compliances with the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme were noted in relation to the Planting New Hedgerow and Traditional Stone Wall Maintenance actions. The person named was notified of the inspection finding on the 16 November 2015.

The application will now be processed on the basis of the inspection findings and payment in respect of the 2015 Scheme year, less penalty, will issue at the earliest opportunity.