Minister has no plans to amend SIU's powers
He told the Dáil that complaints will be dealt with through line management and, if necessary, through the Department's quality service unit.
Complainants also have recourse to third party bodies such as the Ombudsman's office and, if necessary, the courts.
In response to Labour Party spokesperson Dr Mary Upton, who asked if he intended to review the SIU's powers, Minister Walsh said the majority of farmers and others in the agri-food sector comply with the law, and therefore have no reason to be concerned with the activities of the SIU.
The IFA and others have highlighted unease and concern about the way the SIU carries out its work.
Minister Walsh said the operation of the SIU is protecting the interests of farmers generally and the reputation of the Irish food industry from the malpractices of the few.
He said the Unit's remit is to assist different areas of his Department in implementing various schemes and in particular to investigate breaches of legislation governing animal disease control, livestock identification, smuggling, animal medication, and the production, processing, handling, trading or otherwise handling of animals, carcases or meat intended for human consumption or the manufacture or trading of feedstuffs.
He said SIU staff are Department officers, who operate fully in accordance with national and EU legislation. Their activities have formed the basis for almost all of the Department's successful court prosecutions is clear evidence of the legalities of the actions taken and the integrity of the procedures applied, according to the Minister.
He said the investigative procedures comply with the standard requirements for taking and presentation of evidence and the rights of the person or persons being investigated.
On occasion, investigations by the Unit involve the use of search warrants, with all the rules of evidence being complied with. Interviews are carried out under caution, and statements are prepared for use in court by counsel on behalf of the Department. Minister Walsh said a formal code of practice relating to the SIU's operations has recently been finalised.
