Lorraine Higgins (Labour)

I ask that the Leader invite the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Coveney, to the House for a debate on the ongoing situation in relation to farm inspections. I understand that in east Galway in particular inspectors are arriving on farms to conduct inspections without giving prior notice to farmers. While in normal circumstances this would be illegal the inspectors are arriving under the guise of the animal feed and hygiene regulations, in respect of which no notice is required under EU law. The problem is that inspectors are then purporting to carry out tagging inspections on cattle and sheep in respect of which by law a farmer is entitled to 48 hours notice and in respect of land eligibility in respect of which 14 days notice is by law required.

There is huge fear among the farming community in east Galway in particular in relation to inspections. Farmers are afraid to stand up for their rights for fear of detrimental action being taken against them by the Department. This is wrong. It is an unacceptable reign of terror on farmers. I ask that the Minister, Deputy Coveney, come to the House to outline the steps he will take to alleviate this totally unacceptable situation.