Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

On farm inspections, I received a reply to a parliamentary question from the Department yesterday. In cross-compliance inspections in 2014, of which there were 1,368, 26% of farms were given a clean bill of health, with no breaches; on 36% of farms there were minor breaches, with no financial penalty, while on 38% of farms there were breaches involving penalties. There were 4,743 identification and registration inspections, in which 38% of farms were given the all clear; on 37% of farms there were minor breaches, while on 25% of farms there were breaches involving penalties. What is the total amount in penalties levied by the Department as a result of breaches uncovered through inspections? How does our inspections and fines regime compare with that in other EU countries? Are we the good boys in Europe or are we laggards in that regard? Are the fines extrapolated from these samples? If the Department is only inspecting 5% of farms, are fines being levied on the State based on extrapolations? How are farms picked? Is the selection process random or targeted? Will the witnesses explain the inspections regime and the amounts the country must pay for infringements?