Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 20 Jun 2002

Vol. 553 No. 4

Written Answers. - Agriculture Appeals Office.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

12 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the promised statutory appeals office will be operational; if a director has been appointed to the office; the number of staff appointed to date; the number and posts still to be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13967/02]

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

24 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the status of the statutory appeals office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14058/02]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 24 together.

The Agriculture Appeals Office was established on 13 May 2002 and a director was appointed to the office on the same date. The new office is located in Portlaoise. To date, six appeals officers and two clerical staff have been allocated to the new office. Additional staff will be made available as required as the work of the office increases.