Johnny Mythen (Wexford, Sinn Fein)
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The Bill is generally welcomed by all the agricultural organisations and bodies. We spoke to a lot of them. Everyone has raised the issue of representation.

That was one of the main things.

There are a few other things. The Minister talked about the wishes of the appellant. I think someone should be allowed to accompany them if they want; it should not just be one person. There is no mention of disability in the whole system. There could be a person who has hearing or sight loss. That should be built in.

One of the other main things that was put across to us was there should definitely be a policy of a force majeureincluded in it. We had a situation, for example, where a farmer’s wife was dying of cancer. He could not turn up to the appeal but yet he was fined. That definitely must be included in the policy.

The "timely fashion" was presented to us. We should have specific dates for the completion of the review, not just state "between three months and six months”. Once a review starts, there should be a specific date for it to finish. That gives clarity and security to people who are waiting on an appeal. Often, they are worried.

I am not sure about this, and the Minister may forgive my ignorance on it. Why does it have to go to the High Court? A small farmer going to the High Court to appeal will not happen. It is thousands and thousands of euro. Can it be held in the District Court or Circuit Court? Is it possible to do that?

In addition, obviously the whole system has to be fair, transparent and without prejudice. That is basically what was put forward to us and those are the questions I have.