Vol. 494 No. 4
191 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps, if any, he has taken to allocate extra resources to the appeals unit at his Department in order to expedite the hearing and adjudication of appeals by farmers; if he will ensure that the appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath will be heard immediately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18559/98]
217 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has satisfied himself with the eight month delay encountered by farm applicants who appeal decisions in relation to premium payments, REP scheme and so on to his Department's Appeal Unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18707/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 191 and 217 together.
I share the Deputy's concern at the unacceptable delay in attending to headage and premia appeals received within the last year. I am arranging the assignment from a very early date of an additional officer to the headage and premia appeals unit. I will keep the position under review to ensure satisfactory progress in reducing the average delay.
The herdowner lodged an appeal on 15 July 1998 concerning his 1998 ewe premium application. Appeals are dealt with in the order in which they are received and require individual examination. This appeal will be dealt with as soon as possible and the herdowner will be notified of the outcome.
