Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 16 Nov 1995

Vol. 458 No. 4

Written Answers. - Charter of Farmers' Rights.

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

11 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the commitments in the Charter of Farmers' Rights have not yet been delivered on; when he expects the Charter to be fully implemented particularly with regard to the provision of one-stop shops; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16986/95]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. Yates)

On my appointment as Minister almost a year ago, a top priority was to improve the quality of services to farmers. The launch of the charter of rights for farmers last April reflected that priority.

The charter envisaged a programme of substantially improved services for farmers to be implemented over a two year period. The targets set for 1995 have been largely met or indeed exceeded. This is the case especially in relation to headage and premia payments which are, of course, a primary concern of farmers.

In june an effective service was provided at local marts to help farmers minimise errors in completing application forms. From 1 September local offices resumed all day opening arrangements for the public.

The programmes to improve facilities in local offices and to upgrade the telephone services in them are in progress and will continue during 1996.

I am particularly pleased to say that the Appeals Unit promised in the charter is now in operation.

I will shortly be setting up the review group which will report annually on the operation of the charter.

In the light of this progress, I am very disappointed that the charter commitment to having an information desk, or "one-stop-shop", in local offices from 1 November has not been met because of a lack of co-operation by the Civil and Public Service Union. Preparations were, in fact, well in train to ensure that this service would be in operation on time. However, the Union has served notice on my Department of its intention to begin industrial action with effect from Monday next, 20 November. I greatly regret that such action is proposed, especially the action which would close local offices to the public in the afternoons.

This action is regrettable and I would call on the union not to proceed. My Department is of course available for discussion on its various claims.