Austin Currie
Question:79 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the reason the creation of an agricultural appeals office has now been further delayed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23260/00]
Written Answers. - Agricultural Appeals Office.
The general scheme of a Bill to establish the agriculture appeals office on a statutory footing was approved by the Government on 18 October. The general scheme was then sent to the Office of the Attorney General for drafting, which is nearing completion. It is hoped that the draft Bill will be put to the Government later this month for approval to circulate to Deputies, and that it will be introduced in the Oireachtas very early in the new year.
It was necessary to clarify certain legal issues before the preparation of the draft Bill could be finalised.