National Beef Assurance Scheme Act, 2000

Refusal of certificate of approval.

15.—(1) The Minister may, at any time, refuse an application for the grant of a certificate of approval.

(2) Where the Minister intends to refuse an application for the grant of a certificate of approval, the Minister shall—

(a) notify the applicant in writing of his or her intention to refuse the application and of the reasons therefor,

(b) notify the applicant in writing that the person, or a person acting on his or her behalf, may make representations to the Minister in relation to the intended refusal within 14 days of the date of issue of the notification, and

(c) consider any representations made under paragraph (b) before deciding whether to proceed with the refusal.

(3) Where the Minister decides to proceed with the refusal of an application for the grant of a certificate of approval, the Minister shall, by notice in writing, notify the applicant—

(a) of the decision and of the reasons for that decision,

(b) of the time limit within which, and of the manner in which, an appeal against the decision may, pursuant to section 17 , be made, and

(c) if the holding or premises to which the application relates may continue to be used for the production, processing, trading or otherwise handling of animals, carcases or meat intended for human consumption or for the manufacture or trade of feedingstuffs.