Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 63: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when unannounced inspections commenced in 2009; when they will be concluded. [36209/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The position is that while, in general, all inspections should be unannounced, my Department can give up to 14 days notice for land eligibility and cross-compliance inspections involving Statutory Management Requirements (SMRs) other than those related to cattle identification and registration, food, feed, and animal welfare. For checks involving cattle identification and registration the maximum, advance notice is 48 hours provided the purpose of the inspection is not jeopardised. For SMRs dealing with feed, food and animal welfare, no advance notice may be given. The cross-compliance inspections are integrated insofar as possible in order to minimise the number of farm visits. For 2009, cross compliance inspections commenced on 1st May and are ongoing. All those pre-selected will be inspected within the calendar year.