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Proposed Legislation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 September 2020

Wednesday, 16 September 2020

Questions (157)

Joe Carey

Question:

157. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to introduce the Forestry Appeals Bill; the main provisions of the Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24380/20]

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Written answers

At its meeting of 27 July, the Government approved my Memorandum seeking approval to draft an urgent amendment to the Agriculture Appeals Act, 2001 along the lines of the Heads of Bill presented. This will reform the forestry appeals process by bringing it into line with similar planning processes and is one of the commitments in the Programme for Government.

The Bill foresees the introduction of the following main provisions in the Forestry licensing appeals process:

- Clarification on procedures in relation to appeal hearings and other miscellaneous amendments in relation to Forestry Appeals Committee (FAC) conduct and operational matters.

- Provisions for the designation of one or more Deputy Chairperson(s) by the Minister.

- Provision for the FAC to operate in divisions. 

- Introduction of fees for different types of appeals.

- Introducing provisions clarifying who may appeal directly to the FAC, without first taking part in the public consulation process.

I published the draft Bill for public consultation on 30 July for a four-week period with a closing date on Friday 28th August.  My officials are currently reviewing nearly 9,000 submissions on the draft Bill received by the closing date. I am planning to present the final draft Bill to the Houses of the Oireachtas within the next two weeks if possible.

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