Will the Minister comment with regard to the level of political interference in the work of his agricultural officers and customs men in attempting to investigate suspected breaches of EC regulations? Have the Department ever investigated the question of the use of grading and intervention stocks and their abuse? Have his Department ever been involved in investigation of the substitution of prime intervention beef with cow and bull beef which is eventually then transported to Third World destinations——

The Deputy has some experience in court practice and he knows that one of the greatest travesties of justice is to indulge in major slander. I will take each of the Deputy's points. First, there is no question of political interference at any level and if the Deputy——

I will give the Minister instances.

——has any evidence of it he can give it to me. The Deputy has never done that. I insist that all my colleagues in the Department would guard against anything of that nature. If the Deputy has any indication of political interference he should let us know the details.

Consult your officers first.

You might consult us first before making that sort of public slander which is a disgrace from a professional legal person.

It is a fact and it is time the Department faced up to it.

Are you suggesting that I or any of my colleagues — because we are the ones politically responsible — have interferred politically?

If that is what has the Minister up on his high horse, I want to——

Order, please. We cannot debate this matter today.

If the Deputy lets me have the information I will try to deal with any irregularities that are uncovered in relation to the use of stamps or whatever else. Irregularities are notified to the Commission and they are perfectly satisfied with our standards and procedures for notification.