Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 23 May 2001

Vol. 536 No. 6

Other Questions. - Sheep Smuggling.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

58 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of arrests that have been made as a result of investigations into sheep smuggling since confirmation of the outbreak of foot and mouth disease in Meigh, County Armagh, on 28 April 2001; the number of prosecutions instigated to date as a result of such investigations; the number of individuals against whom prosecutions have been instituted; the number of sheep smuggled; and the number of such arrests and prosecutions instituted during the years 1999 and 2000. [15051/01]

Brian O'Shea

Question:

119 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made to date in Garda investigations into allegations of widespread smuggling of sheep, particularly in relation to the serious problems created by the foot and mouth disease scare; the specific investigation which has been held by the Garda into the source of the outbreak of foot and mouth disease in County Louth; the results of any such inquiry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15008/01]

Mr. O'Donoghue

I propose to take Questions Nos. 58 and 119 together.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that since Friday, 2 March 2001 Garda investigations into the illegal importation of animals into Ireland have been co-ordinated by a detective chief superintendent in charge of the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation. On that date, an incident room was set up in Ardee, County Louth, and subsequently at a number of locations around the country. A Garda liaison office was also established in the Ballymacscanlon Hotel, Dundalk – it is a famous place – to facilitate liaison with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development.

I am also informed that an indepth investigation has taken place in the Cooley Peninsula area of County Louth in connection with the outbreak of foot and mouth disease at Proleek Lower and that all animals on critical consignments coming into the country at the time have been traced and slaughtered. As a result of the Garda investigation, a number of persons suspected of involvement in the illegal importation of animals into the country were identified and are currently the subject of investigation. I understand that six arrests have been made and that one person stands charged before the courts. Moreover, a number of files are currently being prepared by the Garda Síochána for submission to the Director of Public Prosecutions. I further understand that the Garda investigation is ongoing and that more arrests are expected. This aspect of the investigation involves approximately 900 sheep. While the Deputy's question refers to sheep, I wish to point out that a number of cattle have also been smuggled and that this matter is under investigation.

I am further informed by the Garda authorities that the number of arrests and prosecutions instituted during the years 1999 and 2000 is not readily available. The Garda authorities have, however, informed me that, during these years, a small number of persons were charged and con victed in relation to a variety of offences relating to the illegal importation of animals into the country.

Mr. Connaughton

I have three specific questions for the Minister. As he is aware, the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development has highlighted the irregularities in the ewe premium scheme in the Cooley Peninsula involving 6,000 extra sheep. Does the Minister have any evidence that some or all of those 6,000 animals crossed the Border from Northern Ireland? When the IFA and many others, including myself four years ago, brought this issue to the attention of the House and the Government, the Minister and his colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, did very little to stop it, although everybody knew it was happening.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

A question please, Deputy.

Mr. Connaughton

Why did something not happen at that stage? Can genuine sheep farmers whose dealings are all above board expect from now on that their livelihoods will be protected from this type of illegal importation of UK sheep via Northern Ireland? It appears that over the past two or three years, there have been no prosecutions. The Minister's Department did not lay a hand on any of the wrongdoers.

Mr. O'Donoghue

I take this opportunity to extend to members of An Garda Síochána my warmest congratulations and deepest gratitude for their outstanding performance in the fight against foot and mouth disease. Their presence on the Border and their application to duty throughout the State is something all reasonable people acknowledge.

Mr. Connaughton

Everybody agrees with that.

Mr. J. O'Keeffe

I wish the Minister's performance was up to the same mark.

Mr. O'Donoghue

Some 1,300 members of the Garda Síochána were involved. The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Garda Commissioner are extremely proud of their performance.

Mr. Shatter

It is a pity the Minister did not perform as well as the gardaí.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

Please allow the Minister to ask the question.

Mr. Connaughton

Let us know what happened.

Mr. O'Donoghue

In that context, whatever about the content, I regret the tone of Deputy Connaughton's remarks.

Mr. Shatter

We are talking about the Minister's policies over the last while.

Mr. J. O'Keeffe

The Minister should not hide behind the Garda.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

The Minister without interruption. Time is limited at Question Time.

Mr. Connaughton

Let us hear what he did.

Mr. O'Donoghue

As Deputy Connaughton knows, the Garda Síochána has investigated various matters arising from the illegal movement of animals. As I explained, one person has been charged and other people can expect to be charged. With regard to what happened historically, the movement of sheep across the Border, in so far as I understand it, prior to 21 February 2001 was not illegal.

Mr. Connaughton

UK sheep were illegal.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

Please allow the Minister to reply.

Mr. O'Donoghue

However, it would be illegal to import sheep from the United Kingdom into the North and then to the South. Cattle smuggling was always a criminal offence. However, where the Garda receive information about these matters, it follows it up to the best of its ability.

Mr. Howlin

Are the investigations ongoing or concluded in so far as they focus on the determination of the source of the contamination that led to the outbreak of foot and mouth disease in County Louth? Has the investigation determined to date whether there was any paramilitary involvement in the sheep smuggling at the centre of this investigation? Will the Minister outline the level of co-ordination between the Garda Síochána, the RUC and the Northern Ireland authorities and how it is progressing?

Mr. O'Donoghue

There has not been any evidence that there were any illegal movements since 21 February. The investigations by the Garda Síochána are an ongoing part of Garda operations, especially in Border Garda divisions, irrespective of the presence of foot and mouth disease. Since the outbreak of the disease the Garda Síochána has been involved in specific investigations of sheep smuggled connected with the outbreak. Prior to the restrictions imposed following the outbreak there was widespread illegal movement of sheep between the North and the South.

As I said in my reply, the Garda investigation is ongoing on the question of whether there was a subversive or paramilitary element involved in the sheep smuggling. It is envisaged that a number of files will be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions. If I engage in speculation on this matter I might compromise their efforts. Neither Deputy Howlin nor I want that to happen.