Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Jun 1998

Vol. 492 No. 7

Written Answers. - Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Ulick Burke

Question:

164 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason his Department officials in Dublin did not contact the local district superintendent in the farm development service who approved the REP scheme application of a person (details supplied) and who was most familiar with the case prior to refusal; the reason the independent REP scheme appeals board did not consult the local district office prior to its decision; his views on the failure to consult and fully investigate an appeal as an indication of the absence of balanced adjudication in certain final decisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15082/98]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

The ineligibility of this applicant for the scheme came to light following a 5 per cent prepayment inspection in accordance with normal control procedures. The local district superintendent has no function in this check. This case was examined fully in the context of the scheme conditions at local inspectorate level, centrally and through the REPS appeals process. I consider that all relevant factors in this case have been fully examined and that a final decision was arrived at in a fair and equitable way.