Investigation the basis for claims for compensation

The Department of Agriculture is building an investigation with the help of gardaí into the origin of horsemeat in Irish burgers with the anticipation of future legal and compensation cases.

It has emerged that two Polish companies are suspected of supplying horsemeat to Irish companies, with evidence suggesting the product was produced, paid for and delivered from Poland.

Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney said Polish authorities have been asked to come here and co-operate with the probe to establish how horsemeat was introduced into the Irish beef industry.