Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 80 and 102 together.

My Department has asked the Garda to investigate certain practices in a licensed beef processing plant. This action was taken following preliminary results of an investigation conducted by a team from within my Department. The nature of the investigation that led to the involvement of the Garda centred on the company's compliance with the terms of specifications for the non-EU market concerned. Such specifications are additional to those that apply in normal trade within the EU and form part of certification procedures agreed between the exporting and importing countries. In the case referred to, the issue relates to the extent to which the company in question adhered to these specifications. In the circumstances, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the matter while the Garda investigation is ongoing.