Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 March 2017
274. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide for the inclusion of a representative of an organisation (details supplied) to the charter of rights committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10840/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraA Farmers’ Charter Review Group was set up in 2014 with a view to agreeing a new Farmers’ Charter of Rights. The Farmers’ Charter Review Group was chaired by an Assistant Secretary General of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and comprised of senior Department officials and representatives of farming organisations. Following on from positive engagement by all parties, negotiations between my Department and farming organisations on a new Farmers’ Charter of Rights concluded on Thursday 11 June 2015 with consensus achieved on the Charter.
Subsequently a Farmers' Charter of Rights Monitoring Committee was established to monitor agreed targets and standards. This Monitoring Committee comprises representatives of farming organisations, staff of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and an independent chair. While my Department is satisfied that the committee is meeting its objective with the current composition of the Committee, the question of extending the representation on the Committee is currently under consideration.
