Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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517. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions his Department has taken as part of its investigation into the abuse of calves exposed in a television exposé (details supplied) in July 2024; the reason action was not taken to prosecute those filmed abusing animals during the 12-month window for conviction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41554/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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My Department investigation remains ongoing into the animal welfare related incidents that were highlighted in footage broadcast by RTE on 10 July 2023.

All relevant unedited footage has been subjected to detailed examination and analysis. In addition, on the ground investigations have taken place that have encompassed conducting numerous interviews with both suspects and witnesses and also involved seeking, collation, and validation of all other relevant information and records of potential evidential value.

This is a complex investigation involving many hours of video footage, multiple locations and multiple persons. Progressing investigations of this nature does take time, and the Department’s focus remains on ensuring that appropriate enforcement action will be taken once all relevant evidential matters are fully collated and validated.

Since the investigations into the incidents highlighted in the July 2023 broadcast are ongoing, it would not be appropriate to comment further except to clarify that there is relevant legislation, available to the Department, which is applicable to the alleged offences highlighted and to which a 2-year statute-bound time-frame applies for bringing summary prosecution proceedings.

Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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518. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide detail of all inspections carried out on the marts mentioned in a television exposé (details supplied) in July 2024; the dates on which each were conducted; the grade and profession of those present from his Department during each inspection from July 2023 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41555/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The matters highlighted in the RTE programme in July 2023 are under on-going investigation - this includes the marts referred to in that programme. As the investigation is still on-going it would not be appropriate for me to provide commentary or details in respect of this active investigation.

I would take to opportunity however to clarify that, contrary to some media reporting, there is a legal basis to initiate any prosecution that may be deemed necessary, notwithstanding that the matters being investigated occurred more than 12 months ago.

The department is regularly present at marts on sales days and in general an annual inspection is conducted in such facilities.

Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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519. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to detail the dates on which departmental vets have been present at a company (details supplied) in Fossa near Killarney; and the times at which they were present from 2023 to date, in tabular form. [41556/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The information requested is set out in the table. Department staff are typically present at times and dates when cattle are being exported, to facilitate the necessary identification, animal health and fitness for transport welfare checks.

Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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520. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if departmental vets or any other officials were present at a company (details supplied) in Fossa, during the footage shown on a television exposé; if any investigations have been conducted internally on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41557/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I strongly condemn any cruelty or mistreatment of animals.

It is the policy of my Department to investigate all allegations of illegal or criminal behaviour and prepare files where appropriate.

My Department is examining the footage broadcast by RTE on 8^th October 2024 to determine whether any offences may have been committed.

I am advised that it is very important that I avoid saying anything that might be prejudicial to the conduct of any investigation.