I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 and 206 together.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that investigations being carried out by the Garda Síochána into allegations of sheep smuggling are an ongoing process. The Garda has been actively involved in tracing sheep which may have been illegally imported prior to controls being put in place on 21 February 2001. Specific investigations are taking place concerning events surrounding the foot and mouth outbreak at Proleek Lower, Dundalk and suspected illegal importation of sheep at the relevant time. Any case involving suspected criminality is the subject of full and detailed investigation.
These investigations are on a countrywide basis and being co-ordinated by the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Incident rooms have been established around the country and a Garda liaison office operating from the Ballymascanlon Hotel in Dundalk is in full-time contact with personnel from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development and other relevant organisations. The incident rooms are in the towns of Ardee, Roscommon, Carlow and Abbeyleix. In addition, Garda inquiries are also ongoing in relation to movements from the United Kingdom.
The Garda authorities are utilising all relevant legislation, the European Convention (Trade and Animals and Animal Product) Regulations, 1994, and the recently enacted Diseases of Animals (Amendment) Act, 2001, during a vigorous inquiry. Arrests have been made, where appropriate, and searches have been carried out resulting in the seizure of documentation and other items for examination. Garda investigations are ongoing and the Garda anticipates sending a number of files to the Director of Public Prosecutions with a view to instituting proceedings. In the circumstances, the House will appreciate it would be inappropriate to go into further detail about individual investigations.