Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 June 2014
125. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions he has taken in view of his Department's investigation into milk quota breaches at a location (details supplied); the timeframe for future actions; the body that undertook independent verification of the findings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27464/14]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, my Department has carried out investigations carried 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.
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.
