John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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201. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a report arising from an investigation into a complaint made by a person (details supplied) relative to an on-farm inspection in 2013, is now completed; if so, if the report will be published; the reason that the findings of the report have not been communicated to the person who made the complaint; if he or his senior officials will meet the complainant to discuss the status of the report and the next steps in the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56850/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The complainant made a number of serious allegations regarding an official of my Department who carried out an on-farm inspection in 2012.

A number of meetings has taken place between senior officials in my Department and the complainant regarding the matter including November 2013, September 2017, June 2018 and my Department has corresponded with the complainant on numerous occasions. On foot of the serious allegations made, my Department carried out a full review of the case. In July 2018 the complainant was formally advised by letter of the outcome of that review in that there was insufficient evidence available to proceed further with the investigation and that the matter had been drawn to a close.

In addition, the complainant was advised, in a letter from the Secretary General of my Department in April 2021, that it is not possible for this Department to disclose the outcome of complaints relating to individual staff members to third parties and under these circumstances could not comment further in relation to the matter.

The complainant has been advised that if he has any new information that he wishes to bring to my Department's attention he is welcome to do so in writing.