Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 441: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in relation to farm inspections the farmers or landowners are entitled to prior notice before an inspection takes place; if a spot check can be carried out without prior notice; and the identification the inspector should carry with them. [25908/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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In accordance with E.U. requirements, all inspections should generally be unannounced: A Member State can give up to 14 days notice for land eligibility inspections and for cross-compliance inspections involving Statutory Management Requirements (SMRs) other than those related to animal identification and registration, food, feed, and animal welfare. For checks involving animal identification and registration the maximum advance notice is 48 hours provided that the purpose of the inspection is not jeopardised. For SMRs dealing with feed, food and animal welfare , no advance notice may be given. All inspectors visiting farms carry official identification.