Niall Collins
Question:947. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will investigate an incident (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48382/23]
View answerTuesday, 7 November 2023
Questions (947)
Written answers
I can say at the outset that my Department takes compliance with environmental and food safety legislation very seriously, and any complaints regarding a discharge to a river can be brought to the attention of the relevant local authority, as they are the responsible body.
My Department is aware of this individual’s complaint against a Teagasc staff member. However, my Department has no role in investigating disputes between Teagasc staff members and persons they may employ in a private capacity. My Department conveyed correspondence received from this individual to senior management in Teagasc’s Head Office. Teagasc advised that the staff member in question has denied any wrongdoing in this instance.
For their part, Teagasc take the view that this is a private matter between two individuals because the complaints are not connected to Teagasc activities and do not fit within the context of Teagasc’s customer care policy. It is understood that Teagasc has directly informed the individual in question of their position.