Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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1657.To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide details of the investigations his Department is conducting regarding recent revelations covered in an RTé programme (details supplied) regarding the operation of a company in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31943/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I firstly wish to reiterate my strong condemnation of any cruelty or mistreatment of animals and to reinforce that my Department takes matters of equine welfare and the integrity of the food chain very seriously.

I can confirm that my Department, in conjunction with the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, is carrying out coordinated investigations into these matters. While it is vitally important to ensure that process continues without prejudice, I wish to state, categorically, that the full rigour of the law will be applied as appropriate.

In terms of immediate response, the approval of the concerned company to slaughter equines was revoked. Additionally, the Certificate of Competence was removed from the identified Animal Welfare Officer. Two equine holdings linked to the slaughter plant were also restricted, prohibiting the entry or exit of any animals without prior approval.

While my Department is now engaged in an evidence gathering phase of its investigations, it is important that I make clear that the welfare and traceability of horses is underpinned by legislation. Where breaches or shortcomings are identified enforcement action will be taken to ensure that there are appropriate measures applied to those parties found responsible for the mistreatment of animals.