Explanatory Note
(This note is not part of the Order)
These Regulations make provision for the implementation in Northern Ireland of the European Regulations (as defined in Schedule 1) relating to the administration of the common agricultural policy of the European Union.
Regulation 2 sets the final date each year when applications for direct payments or rural development payments for that year will be accepted by the Department. Regulation 3 sets the minimum size of agricultural parcel that may be claimed for within a single application.
Regulation 4 allows for payments due to the Department from beneficiaries to be treated by the Department as debt. Regulation 5 sets out how interest to be charged on amounts owed to the Department as debt will be calculated.
Regulation 6 provides for debts owed to the Department to be deducted from future payments to that beneficiary.
Regulation 7 provides powers of entry to land and premises for the purposes of enforcing Common Agricultural Policy regulations to persons authorised by the Department. Regulation 8 sets out the powers of inspection of such authorised persons.
Regulation 9 requires beneficiaries to assist persons authorised by the Department exercise the powers provided in regulations 7 and 8.
Regulation 10 sets the maximum time (90 days) which beneficiaries have to notify the Department of a transfer of an application (and therefore payment) to another farmer.
Regulation 11 establishes offences and penalties for any person obstructing, failing to provide reasonable information or providing false or misleading information to any person executing these Regulations.