Michael Healy-Rae
Question:157. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to examine the case of an appeal by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28457/24]
View answerWednesday, 3 July 2024
Questions (157)
Written answers
I wish to advise the Deputy that the Agriculture Appeals Office operates independently of my Department.
I have been informed, however, that the Agriculture Appeals Office received an appeal from the person-named on 16th August 2023 (ref 359/23 and not 259/23). I am also informed the Agriculture Appeals Office requested a statement on the grounds of appeal and the related documents from my Department and received same on the 23rd November 2023. I understand the appeal was assigned to an Appeals Officer on the 7th December 2023 and I am informed that the Appeals Officer has been in contact with the Appellant on June 27th and informed them that a hearing will be scheduled for July 2024.
With regard to the penalty being deducted from payments, I wish to inform the Deputy, as outlined in the terms and conditions of BEAM, where a penalty is applied, the applicant shall be required to reimburse the Department by the amount of the penalty or the amount of the penalty may be deducted from subsequent payments by the Department, under any scheme, to the applicant. If the herdowners appeal to the Appeals Office is deemed successful, the penalty will be disapplied and then repaid to the herdowner in full.