Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2020
822. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to re-establish an investigations division in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15086/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is the principal regulator of the Agrifood Sector.
Investigations Division is a key element of the Department’s enforcement capability, underpinning food safety, quality and traceability standards, which facilitate trade and provide reassurance to consumers and customers.
The Division was established in 2014, as part of an on-going modernisation of the structures of the Department and the wider public service reform process. Its remit includes investigations and enquiries across all areas of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and assisting other Divisions in relation to potential fraud and/or illegality cases. Investigations are carried out with a view to meeting the standard of proof required for prosecution through the courts. The Head of Investigations Division is supported, since 2014, by a small multidisciplinary team of investigators and support staff.
The mission of the Division is:
- To support DAFM, its agencies and other relevant Bodies by providing the capability to have investigations carried out as requested and to ensure that such investigations are carried out to a standard that will withstand legal scrutiny;
- To contribute to DAFM capacity in horizon scanning and risk analysis;
- To support the implementation of control regimes and the development of legislation underpinning these within DAFM and its agencies as required.
