Whatever resources necessary should be allocated to deliver a fully functional agricultural appeals mechanism for farmers, the IFA has urged.
IFA rural development chair John Curran called on the Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon following the publication of the 2025 annual report of the Agricultural Appeals Office.
Curran said the fall in appeal cases was positive and showed that many of the pre-emptive checks are working well.
However, he said that many of the elements highlighted in the report raise concerns as to how much priority is being allocated to the appeals system.
Curran said an effective appeals process was particularly important because of the complexity and increased scrutiny surrounding farm schemes and payments.
He added that the schemes are fundamental to farm viability and that appeal cases could place significant stress and pressure on farm families.
Concerns
Curran also highlighted a number of concerns within the Agricultural Appeals Office.
“There has been no director of agricultural appeals announced since the vacancy was created earlier this year. We have fewer appeals officers on the ground,” he said.
He also criticised delays in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine providing information required to begin investigations.
Curran said only about 20% of cases appeared to have met their target timelines, with 98 of 488 cases completed within the expected timeframe.
He also raised concerns that an independent panel promised for early 2025 had not yet been established.
“That’s just not good enough, on multiple fronts,” he said.
“I don’t in any way wish to belittle or question the hard work or integrity of existing AAO staff, but farmers need and deserve a fully functional and properly-resources agricultural appeals mechanism. Anything less is just unacceptable in today’s world.”
Curran said independent oversight and practical farming knowledge is essential to deliver fairness and impartial outcomes.
He concluded that the system did not appear to make any allowance for genuine mistakes.
“This has to change, because the penalties nowadays are just so severe.”
SHARING OPTIONS