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Departmental Functions

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 November 2014

Tuesday, 4 November 2014

Questions (449)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

449. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reasons for the disbandment of his Department's special investigations unit; if all those employed in its service in 2013-2014 are still employed by his Department; the roles that the former SIU staff are now performing; if any retirements, including early retirements, have occurred among former SIU personnel over the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41825/14]

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Written answers

The Department attaches very considerable importance to its investigative capability in the context of ensuring that the significant investment being made in the sector in meeting its expansion plans under Food Harvest 2020 is not put at risk by failures to meet legal obligations which might undermine Ireland’s excellent reputation for food safety and meeting the highest standards of food production.

As this remit requires a broad ranging and multifaceted investigative capacity I decided earlier this year to establish a new Investigations Division, which brings all of the Department’s investigation capability, both internal and external, into one Division. This new Division incorporates and includes the functions previously undertaken by the Special Investigations Unit. It is headed by a Senior Superintending Veterinary Officer, supported by a team of investigators, some of whom are core members of the team and others to be drawn from areas where their expertise will be beneficial to the conduct of particular types of investigations.

A particular feature of the new arrangement is the governance that now surrounds the conduct of Departmental investigations. The new Investigations Division reports to an Investigations Steering Group chaired by the Assistant Secretary General responsible for Corporate Affairs and will comprise the Chief Veterinary Officer, the Assistant Secretary General with responsibility for direct payments, and the Heads of Legal Services, Internal Audit and HR. This group will, in all new cases, determine whether matters should be referred back to the relevant inspection areas of the Department for follow through, whether an investigation is warranted and if so, whether this should be conducted by the Investigations Division or referred to the Garda Síochána.

Investigators continue to operate to a code of practice and any citizens who believe that they have been treated unfairly can seek redress through the internal complaints procedure, the Ombudsman’s office or the courts. In relation to staffing, I can advise you that two investigators retired during 2014, having reached retirement age and one further retirement is expected towards the end of the year for the same reason.

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