Vol. 551 No. 2
190 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the progress regarding the establishment of an independent appeals system on a statutory basis to deal with farmers grievances over decisions made in relation to their application to participate in various EU schemes and a more transparent procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9865/02]
The legislation governing the establishment of the new independent agriculture appeals office was enacted in July 2001. It is envisaged that the office will be operational in the spring of this year. The office will be based in Portlaoise and will have a staff of approximately 22 at the outset and this will be reviewed based on actual experience of workload. The Civil Service Commission interdepartmental competition for the appointment of the director of the office has been advertised and the competition is ongoing at this time. The selection pro cess for the appeals officers has been initiated and the recruitment of the remaining staff will commence shortly thereafter. Arrangements for the provision of the necessary accommodation are well advanced. When the director is appointed and the new office is established appeals made to the director under section 7 of the Agriculture Appeals Act, 2001, will be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of the Act and any Regulations made thereunder in relation to procedures to be followed on such appeals.
