Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 July 2016
745. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if appeals officers have never contacted any inspecting officers, or vice versa, in cases without notifying the relevant applicant of such communications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22459/16]
View answerThe Agriculture Appeals Office is an independent agency whose function is to provide an appeals service to farmers who are dissatisfied with decisions made by my Department. Officials from my Department and the Agriculture Appeals Office are independent in all matters. Inspecting Officers from my Department do not contact the Agriculture Appeals Office on any case unless the matter is before the Appeals Office i.e. a herdowner has lodged an Appeal with that Office and if the Appeals Officer dealing with the case has requested clarification on any matter.
