Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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528. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether the practice of appeals staff being recruited from former departmental officials is having the opposite effect to that intended on the confidence of appellants (details supplied); if he will review this practice and appoint appeals officers who have no connection with his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21539/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Under Section 2 of the Agriculture Appeals Act 2001 the Minister may appoint such and so many of his or her officers or, following selection at competitions held by the Public Appointment Service, other persons holding positions within the Civil Service, as he or she considers appropriate, to be appeals officers for the purposes of this Act.

Section 6 of the Agriculture Appeals Act 2001 places a statutory obligation on Appeals Officers to be independent in the performance of their functions. Appeals Officers are fully aware of their legal obligations in that respect and that they are required to apply fair procedures thereby giving an opportunity to each side to have their case heard.

The Programme for a Partnership Government includes a commitment to review the Agriculture Appeals Act 2001 to ensure the independence and efficiency of the Office in dealing with appeals from farmers. Any recommendations arising from that review regarding the assignment of appeals officers will be given due consideration.