Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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1852. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline his plans to resource the Agricultural Appeals Review Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47424/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Agriculture Appeals (Amendment) Act 2024, which was signed into law on 29th October 2024, provides for the establishment of an independent Agriculture Appeals Review Panel to conduct reviews of decisions of Appeals Officers based on errors of fact and/or law.  This function is currently carried out by the Director of Agriculture Appeals in accordance with Section 10 of the Agriculture Appeals Act 2001.

The 2024 Act provides that the panel will comprise one Chairperson, five ordinary members (at least two with practical knowledge and experience of farming) and the Director/Deputy Director of the Appeals Office.  I am also required to ensure an equitable balance between men and women in the composition of the Board as set out in the Act.

My Department is in the process of finalising Regulations to supplement the 2024 Act and once completed, a Panel will be appointed in accordance with the provisions of the 2024 Act. 

I will provide further details on the manner in which the Chairperson and members will be selected and appointed in due course, taking into account all of the factors set out in the Act.

Administrative support will be provided by the independent Agriculture Appeals Office.