We use Google Analytics to see which pages are read and how the site is used, so we know what to improve. This only runs if you accept. See our privacy notice for details.

Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation

Agricultural reports delayed

Summary

John McGuinness raised two long-running constituency cases involving agriculture-related reports and said one had been awaited since 1990. The Taoiseach promised to check both matters with the Department of Agriculture and return with a response.

Two cases in my constituency concerning farming families have been dealt with in the course of the business of this House and the committees. Dan Brennan is one of them. It was agreed that an expert, Dr. Seán Brady, would be appointed to provide the Department with a report. Dan Brennan is an excellent farmer. He has been waiting for the outcome of this since 1990. I have been told, through a response to a parliamentary question, that the Department cannot say when it will be concluded.

The second case relates to a family and serious health concerns affecting horses. Again, the Department of Health has been on site. However, a report that was issued in 2016 dropped off significant recommendations and findings that did not come to light until 2024. The Minister will not meet this family who have written to the Taoiseach about the matter.

Will the Taoiseach intervene in those two cases and ensure the rights of those two farming families are acknowledged and vindicated?

Comment on this

I presume we are talking about the Department of agriculture.

Comment on this

I am not familiar with the first case but it seems extraordinary that a report would have been started in 1990 and it is now 2026, so that is 36 years that a report has not been published. I will check that and get a response from the Department of agriculture as quickly as I can.

On the second case, I will check in terms of correspondence. It is not ringing a bell right now. It may have, but we have a lot of emails and so forth. The Deputy said a report issued in 2016 but that certain recommendations, if I heard him correctly, were dropped off or not included in that report.

Comment on this

A number of them.

Comment on this
Verona Murphy An Ceann Comhairle Independent

The Deputy can follow up in correspondence.

Comment on this

I want to get the information so people can check this. I will obviously have to check the provenance of the correspondence and try to get a response.

Comment on this