Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 21 May 1996

Vol. 465 No. 6

Written Answers. - Charter of Rights for Farmers.

Liam Aylward

Ceist:

275 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the progress, if any, made under the charter of rights announced by him; the effect, if any, the embargo in the public service has had on progress to date; the effect, if any, it will have on new suggestions being made by the Department of Finance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10049/96]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. Yates)

On my appointment as Minister, one of my top priorities was to improve the quality of services to farmers. The launch of the Charter of Rights for Farmers in April 1995 reflected that priority.

The charter envisaged a programme of substantially improved services for farmers to be implemented over a two year period. The payment targets set for 1995 have been largely met or indeed exceeded and I am satisfied that a similar level of performance will be achieved this year.

In June of last year an extensive advisory service was provided at local marts to help farmers minimise errors in completing application forms.

Significant progress was made on improving accommodation facilities in local offices during 1995 and this will continue during 1996 in line with my commitment to providing confidential office consultations for farmers and better accommodation for staff. I am satisfied that the target date at the end of this year for the upgrading of the local office telephone system will also be met.

I am particularly pleased to say that the appeals unit promised in the charter is now in operation. I have invited the farm and agricultural organisations to nominate representatives of the review group which is being established to monitor the implementation of the charter.

The so-called embargo has not had a direct impact on the implementation of the charter. Progress on implementing the charter commitment to having an information desk and improved opening hours for the public at local offices from 1 November 1995 was delayed because of industrial relations difficulties with the Civil and Public Service Union (CPSU). Following the resolution of the Civil Service dispute on 20 May 1996, full implementation of all aspects of the charter will be put in place.

It is not clear as to what the Deputy refers to as new suggestions from the Minister for Finance.