Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Fitzgerald. The Minister will come before the committee next Thursday morning to discuss the Bill. It will proceed at a fair pace. We have been waiting for it for a long time, and it is to be hoped it will become legislation sooner rather than later.

I am not trying to be picky with any submission, but I have concerns about the proposal that if there was no representative at a hearing it would go ahead. Farmers often have very valid reasons as to why they cannot make a hearing. I would rather that common sense prevail. If the Department is dragging its heels and does not attend the hearing, that is well and good. At least one opportunity should be given for all members to be present because I feel that a hearing without either the Department or appellant being present would not be satisfactory. We want an appeals system that will work to everyone's satisfaction when the legislation is in place. I have attended a lot of appeals in my time and I would not like to do so without a farmer present. That is the point I am making on the INHFA submission.