The special investigation unit of my Department and the Garda Síochana are continuing to investigate events surrounding the illegal importation of animals and other associated activities. Some of these events pre-dated the introduction of the Diseases of Animals (Amendment) Act, 2001, passed by this House in March last.
Charges have been preferred in one case, 11 files have been sent to the DPP with a recommendation for prosecution, and other case files are at various stages of investigation. I regret that I am not at liberty to provide any further detail at present lest it prejudice the ongoing investigations or any other associated proceedings which may arise.
Finally, it is my intention to conduct an overall review of the Diseases of Animals (Amendment) Act, 2001, before the end of March, 2002.
Question No. 22 answered with Question No. 11.