Vol. 544 No. 3
236 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the reason for the delay in completion and publication of his inquiry surrounding the illegal importation of sheep from the United Kingdom to a factory at Athleague, County Roscommon in 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28719/01]
The special investigation unit of my Department and the Garda Síochána are still investigating events surrounding the slaughter of sheep illegally imported from Great Britain to a factory in Athleague, County Roscommon, and a number of other incidents elsewhere in the country related to the illegal importation of animals.
The investigations in relation to Athleague are ongoing. However, elsewhere, charges have been preferred in one case, several files have been sent to the DPP and others are at various stages of preparation. I regret that I am not at liberty to provide any further detail at present lest it prejudice the ongoing investigations or any proceedings which may arise.
