The Deputy will be aware that the Agriculture Appeals Office operates independently of my Department.
I have been informed, however, that the person named appealed a decision of the Department to the independent Appeals Office in 2017 and a decision issued on the appeal.
A review of the Appeals Officer’s decision was requested by the person named and the Appeals Office regrets the delay in reaching a determination on this review request which is due to the volume of review requests received by the Office. Reviews of decisions of Appeals Officers can only be undertaken by the Director of the Appeals Office in accordance with the Agriculture Appeals Act 2001.
I am informed that the request for a review will be prioritised and a decision will issue as soon as possible.