Mr. Denis Drennan:

The ICMSA thanks the Chairperson and members of the committee for the invitation to put our views forward on the draft general scheme of the agriculture appeals (amendment) Bill 2024. I will keep my presentation short.

In 2018, the ICMSA initially welcomed the introduction of a review panel. I have four main points to cover. There must be farm representation on the board. It is essential for the confidence of farmers that they would be treated in a fair and reasonable manner and have confidence in the system. The panel should be in a position to elect its own vice chair and also to set its own rules and regulations as opposed to this being set by the Minister. If this is to be an independent panel, it needs to be in control of its own destiny, elect its chair and set its own rules and regulations.

We also believe that a farmer should have at least 12 months to appeal his or her case and that from the date on which the appeal is launched, there should be a six-month timeframe for a hearing and a decision so that no farmer is left in limbo. The ICMSA believes that the legislation needs to be comprehensive and fair, that it should be concluded as soon as possible and that the new process should be put in place as soon as possible so that farmer confidence in the appeals process is improved. Again, I thank the Chairman. I said I would keep it brief just to focus on those four main points.