IFA furious over SIU raids
The association's National Animal Health Chairman, John Stack, said he is very concerned at the growing number of 'raids' by the SIU which appeared to have little or no justification. "There is no sense for heavy-handed tactics by the SIU when dealing with the vast majority of farmers," he said.
Nineteen of the 78 on-farm inspections carried out by the Department's SIU since January 1, 2002, were in Kerry Mr Stack's home county.
Next in the breakdown by county was Meath with eight visits, followed by Monaghan with six, Tipperary South with five and Wexford and Limerick with four each.
Cavan, Clare, Cork, Kildare, Laois, Roscommon, Sligo and Westmeath had three farm inspections each. Kilkenny, Tipperary North and Wicklow had two each, while Louth and Waterford had one each.
Agriculture Minister Joe Walsh, who gave the details to the Dail in reply to queries by Fine Gael spokesman Billy Timmins, TD, said the SIU's remit is to assist in the operation of various Department schemes and regulations.
In particular, it was to investigate suspected breaches of legislation on animal disease control; animal medication; production, processing, trading or otherwise handling of animals, carcasses or meat intended for human consumption; or the manufacture or trading of feedstuffs.
Some investigations are conducted jointly with the Garda Síochána, and the SIU also complies with inquiry requests under international mutual assistance arrangements with other national enforcement agencies.
The SIU also supports other areas of the Department and advises relevant operators. In many cases, prosecutions would not arise from the work of the SIU; in some cases prosecutions may be initiated by the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The SIU has a staff of 14 officers authorised to carry out a range of functions; a code of practice is currently being finalised. SIU procedures are in accordance with the law and comply with the requirements for taking and presenting evidence, Minister Walsh told the Dail.
Since January 1, 87 non-farming entities have also been investigated. Some 39 cases arising directly from investigations carried out by the SIU were successfully prosecuted since that date.
Two cases were unsuccessful, and one of these is under appeal. Another 42 cases are expected to come to a court hearing in due course. A further 78 cases, which may result in prosecutions, are at various stages of investigation. With regard to SIU investigations conducted since January 1, 2000, High Court injunctions were taken out against the Department in three cases, one of which was unsuccessful, and the other two were subsequently withdrawn. Legal action by farmers against the Dept has been initiated in two cases.
