Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 March 2004
116 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties that have arisen in respect of the case of persons (details supplied) in County Tipperary; if his attention has further been drawn to the complications arising from this particular case; if he has investigated same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8390/04]
View answerI am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers. In 1997 the person named leased land and milk quota from a participant in the early retirement scheme for a period of approximately six years. In 2003, by order of the Circuit Court, that quota was returned to the landlord. The landlord then applied to my Department to have a substitute lessee installed and on the basis that the court had ordered the termination of the existing agreement, my Department agreed to that request. My Department did not have any basis or evidence on which to question the validity of the lease before the matter was dealt with by the court. The basis for action by my Department was solely in accordance with the court order.
