Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 November 2016
647. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if it is intended to appoint persons from outside his Department to the agricultural appeals process to ensure absolute independence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36904/16]
View answerUnder Section 2 of the Agriculture Appeals Act 2001 the Minister may appoint such and so many of his or her officers or, following selection at competitions held by the Public Appointment Service, other persons holding positions within the Civil Service, as he or she considers appropriate, to be appeals officers for the purposes of this Act.
Section 6 of the Agriculture Appeals Act 2001 places a statutory obligation on Appeals Officers to be independent in the performance of their functions. Appeals Officers are fully aware of their legal obligations in that respect.
The Programme for a Partnership Government includes a commitment to review the Agriculture Appeals Act 2001 to ensure the independence and efficiency of the Office in dealing with appeals from farmers. Consultations are due to commence shortly in that regard.
