Investigations and prosecutions are carried out by many Line Divisions in the Department but Investigations Division is the Specialist Division taking the more complex and serious cases through the courts. The Division is a key element of the Department’s enforcement capability, underpinning the quality and traceability standards which facilitate trade and provide reassurance to consumers and customers. The Division investigates alleged wrongdoing across all areas of the Department.
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the Division is as follows:
Year
|
Lead Investigators @ 1 January
|
Headquarters of investigators
|
Cases logged
|
Prosecutions
|
Successful prosecutions
|
Unsuccessful prosecutions
|
2018
|
4
|
3 in Backweston Campus, Kildare; 1 in Kilkenny DVO
|
29
|
9
|
8
|
1
|
2019
|
4
|
3 in Backweston Campus, Kildare; 1 in Kilkenny DVO
|
31
|
10
|
10
|
0
|
2020
|
4
|
3 in Backweston Campus, Kildare; 1 in Kilkenny DVO
|
8
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
Prosecution figures relate to cases finalised each year; the cases would have been initiated in previous years. Prosecutions in 2020 have been impacted by delays in the Courts which arise as a consequence of COVID-19.
Lead investigators are supported by other Investigations Division staff and colleagues from other areas of the Department as required. Staff numbers in the Division are static overall with short term fluctuations to facilitate mobility and retirements.