Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Do members have any more questions? No.

As the witnesses will have heard, the biggest concern is time. I know of a TB-related case that dragged on for 18 months, which I thought was extraordinary, but in the end the appeal was 95% successful. First, the farmer lodged his appeal with the appeals office and received 95% approval. Unfortunately, the Department appealed the decision. At the time I did not think that the Department could do so. However, the director agreed with the original approval of 95%. The farmer had to wait 18 months to receive a payment of €30,000. Eighteen months is a long time for anyone to wait. In addition, as his herd was restricted for the duration, he could not sell his stock to replace animals or be able to exist financially. He was put in a very difficult position. I am talking about one case but I am sure there were similar cases. The system is draconian because he had to wait 18 months to get his case dealt with.