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

This relates to arrangements for consideration of representations. This series of identical amendments is intended to address concerns raised by limiting the power of the Minister to withhold moneys that are currently due to the Minister from an individual. There are three sections with similar powers so the amendment appears three times. The amendments introduce an additional safeguard by providing for a period of time within which a person may make representations and requiring the Minister to consider them before moving to withhold the moneys. These powers to withhold moneys only apply where the State has had to intervene in cases of probable wrongdoing, such as disposal of non-compliant animals the status of which was unverified and therefore could not enter the food chain, thus giving rise to a cost to the State associated with their disposal. In other words, if the State must intervene and pay for the disposal of an animal and is trying to recoup that cost, I cannot just simply recoup it now. The person from whom I am recouping has the opportunity to make the case and I must consider that case before proceeding. This is a safeguard to ensure the Minister does not over-extend his powers.