Irwin welcomes progress on panel verdicts

Mr Irwin also said it was important that new arrangements allowed for the ability to submit additional information to an independent panel.

He said: “It is great to see progress being made on this matter and a recognition by Minister Poots of a need to resolve the matter.

“This is something I have long lobbied for and indeed I have assisted a number of farmers through the appeals process and on occasions where the panel has ruled in favour of the appellant, the department has disregarded their verdict and left the original departmental decision in place. This in my view makes a totally mockery of the Appeals process and leaves a very sour taste with the Appellant, hence our efforts to change this situation.”

Mr Irwin was speaking as the inquiry work undertaken by the DAERA Committee and assisted with farming stakeholder engagement, reached the stage of making recommendations to the minister.

Mr Irwin stated: “This has been an important piece of work and it is important that the minister himself has been a listening ear in this debate and shares the general direction of travel.

“I would however restate the importance of facilitating the admission of additional evidence at the independent panel stage.

“I think any evidence that is pertinent to a case, that has not been considered prior, should not be excluded.

“This would ensure the farmer feels they have had a fair hearing.”

He concluded, “There is a great opportunity now to get this issue right and that includes for those farmers who have already been through this process and have had their independent panel verdict disregarded by DAERA.”

Mr Irwin concluded: “I will continue to work along with committee colleagues and encourage the department to ensure a sensible and importantly fair system is adopted going forward.”