Vol. 527 No. 4
122 Mr. Browne (Carlow-Kilkenny) asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the length of delay in dealing with appeals for suckler cow premium in his Department; the number of staff dealing with appeals; if he has satisfied himself that the length of time awaiting decisions is just; and the plans he has to increase the staff to speed up decisions for farmers awaiting judgment. [28827/00]
The delay in examining headage and premia appeals is approximately three months. There are six staff permanently attached to the headage and premia appeals unit. The appeals unit set itself a target of processing within three months all but the most complicated and intractable of appeals. This is considered a reasonable delay in providing the service and it is accepted that farmers should not have to wait any longer to have their cases dealt with.
