Last month, we saw the "RTÉ Investigates" programme on the horrific and illegal conditions at the Shannonside Foods Limited abattoir in Straffan, County Kildare. The plant has now shut down, which I welcome. Having looked through the record of the committee on agriculture meeting on the matter, I was left with serious concerns as to how this situation was allowed to arise. These concerns were further heightened by the news that the Department of agriculture essentially will be investigating itself with regard to how it failed to realise what was going on despite the fact that it had received repeated reports of animal neglect and cruelty from people living near the abattoir and the fact that there was supposed to be a permanent inspector in the facility.

Will the Government set up an external, independent investigation into the Department of agriculture's action in this case?

I will check in directly with the Minister for agriculture on this but my understanding is that the Department has appointed UCD's Professor Paddy Wall to lead a task force aimed at addressing the serious traceability issues identified in the "RTÉ Investigates" programme and, indeed, the approach to approval of such facilities in the future. My understanding is that the expert from UCD, Professor Paddy Wall, is leading a task force. I will get the Deputy more information on that and she will be able to see whether that meets her request.