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Farm Inspections

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 September 2013

Tuesday, 24 September 2013

Questions (88)

Billy Timmins

Question:

88. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will ensure that all Departmental inspectors have training in identifying depression as part of their on-farm inspection programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39364/13]

View answer

Written answers

My Department, in the context of delivering the Single Payment Scheme, Disadvantaged Areas Scheme and other area related schemes, is required to carry out an annual round of inspections covering both the eligibility of the land declared to draw down payments and also cross compliance aspects, to ensure adherence with EU regulatory requirements in the areas of public, animal and plant health, environment and animal welfare and ensuring that the farm is maintained in good agricultural and environmental condition. These inspections are a necessary requirement in order to draw down approximately €1.7 billion of EU funds annually and to avoid EU disallowances. The inspections are subject to repeated audits and my Department must therefore ensure that these inspections are conducted in a fair and equitable manner and in full accordance with the legislative provisions.

In implementing the inspection programme, my Department takes maximum possible account of the realities of farming. Inspecting officers are regularly trained on how to conduct these inspections. Where the regulations allow, notice periods can be provided. In addition, inspections are integrated in as far as is possible with a view to minimising the inconvenience to farmers. My Department has also established a Farm Advisory System under the Single Payment Scheme and I recommend that any applicant with any inspection concerns whatsoever to avail of this service to allay any such concerns.

Finally, there is a comprehensive appeal system in place for applicants to avail of if they consider that the inspection has not been conducted in accordance with legislative requirements or if they are unhappy with the inspection findings. This appeal system incorporates an initial review by an officer more senior than the inspecting officer, with the option to appeal the outcome of any such review to the independent Agriculture Appeals Office. In the event that an applicant is not satisfied with the outcome of this review he/she has the right to pursue the matter further with the Office of the Ombudsman.

Question No. 89 answered with Question No. 74.
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