Vol. 547 No. 2
84 Mr. N. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if the new independent agriculture appeals office has been established; the number of oral hearings which have taken place to date; and the outcome of each appeal. [2981/02]
Although the new agriculture appeals office has not yet been established and oral hearings have not taken place under the new regime, planning for its staffing and accommodation is now well advanced. The office will be located in Portlaoise. The Civil Service Commission interdepartmental competition for the appointment of the director and deputy director of the office is expected to be advertised in the next week and the selection process for the remaining staff will be initiated immediately thereafter. It is expected to have the office operational in the spring of this year.
