John Perry
Ceist:287 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will make a statement on the various points raised in a letter from a person (details supplied) in County Sligo. [21193/01]
Written Answers. - Farming Sector.
Proper accountability for public expenditure and the need for consumer protection as well as the long-term development and viability of the farming sector are important principles for my Department.
Total expenditure by my Department last year on farm supports exceeded £2 billion, 2.5 billion euro. The funds which are disbursed are moneys provided by the citizens of the EU through their taxes.
As the paying agency for these funds my Department must comply with both EU requirements of audit procedures and exercise appropriate controls. Every effort is made to ensure fair procedures for applicants and to deliver an efficient and customer friendly service.
An agriculture appeals office is being established to facilitate appeals by farmers against individual decisions and my Department constantly strives to simplify application forms and procedures.
In the context of increased emphasis on food safety, consumer demands for traceability as well as assisting the prevention of the spread of animal diseases required the speedy implementation of a sheep tagging system. The system now in place will help secure the future of the sheepmeat sector.