Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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I thank Mr. Gleeson. Before we go to questions, I wish to clarify something from last week's meeting. At last week's hearing, Mr. Sheahan, deputy chief veterinary officer in the Department, was here. Questions were asked by Deputy Catherine Murphy and I regarding potential historical incidents at the Straffan plant that appeared in the "Prime Time" investigation programme. I said, "In view of the fact that there were historical incidents that may have had a bearing on some of this, was the Department not on high alert? What was the Department doing and what measures was it putting in place." I knew at that stage it would be difficult to get an answer. Mr. Sheahan said, "I will try to answer as briefly as I can. If you were to ask me even three weeks ago what were standards like within the slaughter plant in Straffan I would say that standards were very good within this slaughter plant in Straffan". This week, in answer to a parliamentary question asked by Deputy Cronin, a paragraph read:

In advance of any events highlighted in the recent television programme, investigations led by my Department involving individuals connected to the business mentioned and another Garda led investigation into other individuals have both progressed such that prosecution cases will shortly be heard before the courts. It would not be appropriate to comment any further on these matters at this time.

Of course it would not be, and I would not expect the Minister to. The impression given, unless I missed something last week - I quoted directly what Mr. Sheahan said at the meeting - was that the Department was not aware of any serious matters like this. Will Mr. Gleeson clarify if the court case is about animal welfare at that plant? I know he will be careful in what he says.