Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There would be no problem answering that question if legal proceedings had not begun. Once something goes into our legal office to prepare the defence of the position of the Department, I will not get into providing details that may be used at a later stage as part of evidence in court. That would be very foolish of me. I encourage Deputies and farmers who have issues and concerns about how the Department does its business and how the appeals process is working to let us know. If they feel it is unfair, we need to hear about it. Once a person decides to take on a solicitor and start legal proceedings, it is in a different category and it is hard for me to comment.

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