Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)

Section 42(2)(b) relates to the serving of notices. The section states an animal health and welfare notice shall "inform the person on whom it is served that he or she may appeal the notice to the District Court under section 43...". I would prefer to see an appeal being made to an independent board. I spoke about this issue when the Bill was before the House previously. An independent appeals process similar to that of the social welfare appeals office would be preferable, rather than stating an individual, on receipt of a notice, has to go to the District Court to appeal it. There would be legal costs and it could end up being a minefield for solicitors and the legal profession. Whether it is a minefield, there will be associated, additional costs and a burden on farmers if they are obliged to appeal these notices to the District Court. If a farmer receives a notice in July, the next sitting of the District Court may not be until September or early October. These practicalities should be considered also. We should consider the timeframe and costs involved and the legal minefield that this could be. What are the Minister's thoughts on the matter?