Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 18 Apr 1996

Vol. 464 No. 2

Written Answers. - Departmental Veterinary and Health Certificates.

Desmond J. O'Malley

Ceist:

69 Mr. O'Malley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the number of occasions on which official Department of Agriculture veterinary, health or other certificates have gone missing within the past ten years; the use to which such certificates were put; the inquiries made regarding the circumstances of the loss of such certificates; and whether any disciplinary or other action has been taken arising out of the disappearance or misuse of such certificates. [7795/96]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. Yates)

It is not possible to give a comprehensive answer to the Deputy's question in respect of certificates for the past ten years. The information requested is not readily available and would require a substantial commitment of staff and resources to the task. However, pages 624 to 626 of the July 1994 Report of the Tribunal of Inquiry into the Beef Processing Industry dealt with a specific example in respect of a particular firm. In addition, a further case concerning the seizure of health certificates at an exporter's premises in County Westmeath is currently under investigation by the Garda while criminal charges have recently been brought in another case.