Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 3 July 2018

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Report of the Agriculture Appeals Act Review Committee: Discussion

3:30 pm

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

I thank the witnesses for attending. As Dr. Smyth is aware, the committee has been engaging on this matter for over a year and has examined the entire process, which is obviously very good.

How many cases have been appealed so far this year compared with the same time last year? Has there been an increase in appeals relating to specific areas or schemes such as the beef data and genomics programme referred to by Deputy McConalogue, GLAS or any other scheme? Are greater numbers of appeals being lodged in some areas of the country than was previously the case?

To follow on from the Deputy's question on timelines, it is over a year since the committee began its consultation process on the issue and communications with the Department in that regard. Dr. Smyth stated that some recommendations can be implemented now or reasonably shortly but the key issues will require legislation. He referred to the fact that only the director may deal with individual cases, of which the committee was aware. If there is an increase in the number of cases, how will one person be able to get through them in a timely manner? That will be a major issue down the line.

Whether we like it or not, legislation may progress slowly through the Houses and agricultural matters may not be afforded much priority, although all present would like them to be. It will take time to increase the priority of legislation in this area, although this issue is of importance. How can the necessary changes be progressed at a far quicker rate than is currently the case? The year-long consultation process is coming to an end. It is likely that some cases have been under appeal for up to a year and a half. When will they and the overall issue be addressed?

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