Holly Cairns
Ceist:137. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the immediate action he is taking to address the backlog of cases in the forestry appeals systems. [24036/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 15 September 2020
Ceisteanna (137)
Freagraí scríofa
I am glad to have the opportunity to address the issue of the backlog of cases in the forestry appeals system. Let me say at the outset that I very much recognise the difficulties which the delays are currently having and the Government is committed to reforming the licencing and appeals system as set out in the Programme for Government.
It is very clear that the current system needs to be improved so that it can operate more efficiently. The proposed Bill amending the Agriculture Appeals Act is designed to forestry licensing appeals process with best practice in to other appeals processes. For instance, it includes proposals for the appointment of Deputy Chairpersons and the creation of sub-divisions of the main Committee which will increase capacity to hold hearings. Certain other efficiencies in the operation of the committee are also proposed.
We have received almost 9,000 submissions in response to the publication of the draft Bill. I very much welcome this level of engagement with this legislation. Our analysis of the appeals to date is that a significant majority of submissions received support the introduction of the Bill and the proposals therein. We continue to carefully examining these submissions, which will be published on my Department's website. They will inform the updated version of the Bill which I will present to the House as soon as possible.
We are also introducing an on-line portal for easy access to view all licence applications which will further enhance transparency on the decision-making process for forestry in Ireland.
Additional resources have previously been assigned to the FAC, including additional administrative resources and personnel with planning expertise, to assist with administering appeals. These will be added to shortly to ensure their readiness for the implementation of the Bill, subject to its passing in the Oireachtas. I expect this Bill to be introduced to the Dail for its consideration very soon.
I believe that the proposed Bill, along with our Project Plans for managing the licencing backlog, will greatly improve the overall system and result in an increase in the number of licences available for planting and felling and decision-making system which is more fit for purpose and meets the needs of all stakeholders.