Departmental Consultations

Tuesday, 13 January 2026

Ceisteanna (1797)

Sorca Clarke

Ceist:

1797. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether standards or service-level targets exist for his Department or bodies under the aegis of his Department, in responding to correspondence from members of local authorities; if compliance with such standards is monitored; the reasons for delays or failures to respond to correspondence from elected members; and the measures being taken to ensure more consistent and timely communication going forward. [74262/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department's Customer Charter 2025 - 2027 commits that all customers will be treated equally, and that all customers should have the reasonable expectation to be heard, understood and respected.

In relation to all correspondence received by my Department, the commitment is that these are acknowledged within three working days, with all correspondence responded to in clear plain language within 20 working days.

My Department undertakes regular monitoring and reporting on performance under this commitment, and reviews internal structures and processes to assess where improvements can be implemented on an ongoing basis.

As regards the 13 State Bodies under the aegis of my Department, the information requested is an operational matter for the State Bodies themselves. I have referred the Deputy’s question to the Agencies and have requested that a response should issue within 10 days.