Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 February 2022
836. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if, in view of the investigation his Department is carrying out, it would be prudent to suspend upcoming inspections scheduled by a society (details supplied) until such a time that the investigation is concluded; his views on the current status of the investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4505/22]
View answerThe organisation named has been recognised by my Department to maintain the breeding book for Connemara ponies in line with EU Animal Breeding Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2016/1012).
The organisation has clear procedures governing inspections which are outlined in their breeding programme for this breed. In addition, they have rules in place to settle disputes with breeders participating in their breeding programmes and to ensure breeders are treated equally. Where a breeder is not satisfied with a decision resulting from an inspection, they can invoke the rules of appeal.
I have been informed that my officials received a written complaint concerning governance and the performance of a specific inspection on Friday 28 January. While my officials are satisfied with the organisation's inspection procedures in general as described in their breeding programme, they are evaluating the procedure used in this specific case.
