Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independents 4 Change)
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1622.To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a proposed investigation task force (details supplied). [31191/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has commenced an investigation, with the support of An Garda Síochána, into all matters relating to the events highlighted in the RTE programme. The full force of the law will be brought to bear in relation to these matters.

Separately to the investigation referenced above, my Department is committed to undertaking a root and branch review of the issues identified, including the identification, registration and traceability of equines and the approval of food business such as equine slaughter plants. As part of this very important process my Department has enlisted the services of UCD’s Professor Patrick Wall to lead this review.

I am confident that this initiative will lead to a series of recommendations which will enhance the security and integrity of equine traceability and set out appropriate mechanism by which applicants for approval in respect of a food business premises are assessed as being fit and proper to operate such a business.