I wish to inform the Deputy that the Agriculture Appeals Office operates independently of my Department.
I have been advised, however, that the records of the Agriculture Appeals Office indicate that a letter of appeal was received on behalf of the person named in December 2020. The Appeals Office wrote to the person named in relation to his appeal and the submission of further documentation, which was received in January 2021.
The Appeals Office requested the file and a statement on the grounds of appeal from my Department and the file and statement were recently submitted to the Appeals Office. The appeal will be shortly assigned to an Appeals Officer for examination and I have been assured that the appeal will be dealt with as quickly as possible.