Farm Inspections

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 June 2016

Wednesday, 8 June 2016

Questions (542)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

542. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if departmental inspectors are given guidelines on the number of penalties they should be imposing on average; if action is taken against inspectors whose penalty rate is below average; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14427/16]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

There are no guidelines in place regarding the number of penalties to be applied by my Departments Inspecting Officers. Inspecting Officers are trained to identify breaches and to apply the appropriate weightings and sanctions as and where they find them.