Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 June 2014
420. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will name the persons who are to carry out the independent milk verification process with regard to the milk quota re-allocation from dairy farms (details supplied). [27138/14]
View answer421. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of litres of milk involved in the re-allocation from dairy farms (details supplied); and the total monetary fine imposed by the EU because of this re-allocation. [27139/14]
View answer422. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the report of the independent milk verification process will be sent to the Office of the Chief State Solicitor for consideration. [27140/14]
View answer423. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied that there is a transparent electronic and paper trail available regarding milk quota re-allocation and if his Department's special investigation unit milk quota team has identified any other milk quota irregularities in its detailed audit of a company (details supplied) or any other milk suppliers since the start of this year. [27141/14]
View answer424. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there are food safety and milk traceability issues involved in milk quota re-allocations; his views on the implications this would have for the reputation of Irish milk as a pure, green quality brand across the island of Ireland; and his plans to resolve this problem. [27142/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 420 to 424, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy is aware, my Department has carried out investigations into allegations that milk collections from a milk supplier were credited to another milk supplier which was facilitated by the milk purchaser concerned. Where allegations of non-compliance are made, my Department investigates such matters to ensure that the obligations of all parties under the Milk Quota Regulations are being met, that any levies are paid in full, that the systems and procedures underpinning the operation of the regime are robust and to ensure that there are no financial losses to the Exchequer or the European Union arising from any non compliance.
On the question of possible food safety issues, the investigation has shown that the actions in this case related to an internal alteration of records and that all activities in relation to the collection, transportation and processing of the milk concerned were carried out in full compliance with the relevant regulations insofar as these relate to food safety matters. I am satisfied therefore that there were no food safety or traceability issues involved.
As I have previously outlined to the House, the investigation carried out by officials in my Department is now complete. At my request, corrective actions have been completed by all parties concerned, including the reallocation of milk to the original supplier; the payment of the super levy fine by the supplier concerned; and the distribution of the unused quota though the ‘flexi milk’ scheme. I am currently making arrangements with the parties concerned to have these actions independently verified.
I have also as indicated, requested that the relevant papers be sent to the Chief State Solicitor’s Office for advice on whether any further action is warranted, having regard to the provisions of the Milk Quota Regulations or other legal provisions. As this matter is now under consideration with that Office, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further on the case at this time.
