Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

887. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress of a Garda investigation into a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3493/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department strongly condemns any cruelty or mistreatment of animals and takes matters of equine welfare and the integrity of the food chain very seriously.

Collaboratively with the Garda National Bureau of Crime Investigation, my Department is undertaking an extensive investigation.

This joint investigation is ongoing and relates to suspected breaches of animal welfare and animal identification legislation.

While it is vitally important to ensure that process continues without prejudice, I wish to state, categorically, that where any breaches of welfare, identification and traceability legislation are found to have occurred, appropriate enforcement action will follow.

As this is an ongoing investigation, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further.