Vol. 512 No. 3
181 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath will be permitted to appeal the recent punitive decision of his Department whereby it is proposed that he be penalised to the extent of 100% of his next REPs payment; if he will be provided with an oral hearing in order to process the appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26149/99]
There is an appeals system in place to examine appeals from participants in the REP scheme who have penalties imposed. An appeal should be made in the first instance to the district superintendent within ten days. If the district superintendent upholds the penalty, a further appeal may be made to have the matter examined by the national appeals committee.
It is not the practice for the appeals committee to have an oral hearing but rather to accept written submissions in support of an appellant. It is open to the person named to pursue this matter through these channels.
