Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:130 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will put in place an appeals forum for farmers who have been affected by the commonage framework plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25070/02]
Vol. 558 No. 5
130 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will put in place an appeals forum for farmers who have been affected by the commonage framework plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25070/02]
Together with the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, I have announced details of a system that will enable farmers with commonage to appeal the destocking figures in the commonage framework plans. A proportion of farmers whose commonage is subject to a particular plan can have it reexamined by another planning team. The results of this re-assessment will be considered by officials of my Department and Duchas who will either accept them or refer them to an appeals committee consisting of representatives of the farming bodies and environmental organisations under an independent chairperson. The committee will then make a recommendation to the Minister for the Environment and Local Government and myself. Financial assistance will be provided towards the cost of having the commonage reassessed by another planning team.