DARD Welcomes the Outcome on Duplicate Field Judicial Review

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has welcomed today’s judgement in the Duplicate Field judicial reviews presented to the High Court.

The judge’s decision provides reassurance and greater certainty for all concerned, that DARD’s interpretation of the EU regulations and of the scope to excuse penalty in duplicate field cases under those regulations, was correct.

The Department notes that the High Court has ruled that two out of four cases should be referred back to the External Panel for further consideration. That is in relation to the provision which permits penalty for an irregularity to be excused where the applicant is Not At Fault”. The Department will be making arrangements to refer the two cases in line with the judgement.

The Court has not ruled that penalties be refunded in any of the cases presented.

The Department will be examining the judgement in detail and will be considering it in relation to how the External Review Panel details its consideration and the grounds for its recommendations.

Notes to Editors:

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