2616. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will establish an independent investigation into the enforcement operation that saw a large number of cattle euthanised, with a view to determining whether departmental procedures were followed; whether every reasonable option was considered before the decision was made to destroy the animals; whether the operation was conducted in an appropriate and proportionate manner; if shortcomings or mistakes were identified, if he will ensure that they are acknowledged and addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57791/26]

The enforcement operation referenced forms part of an ongoing investigation by my Department, thus it would not be appropriate to establish an independent investigation.

The Deputy will appreciate that I cannot speak to the specifics of any individual case, however I can provide clarifications on the Department's position in more general terms regarding animal welfare.

Every herd owner has legal obligations and responsibilities to ensure that the health and welfare of the animals they own or control is safeguarded.

Where welfare issues arise, my Department’s approach is to proactively engage with herd owners to:

Firstly, try and resolve non-compliance matters in a voluntary manner;

or failing that, through the issuing of legal notices or formal direction.

The removal of animals from a farm is only undertaken as a last resort to protect animal health and welfare.

When necessary, these incidents are managed by my Department with full regard to animal welfare and in line with governing legislation.

In most such instances, the animals can be safely loaded onsite and removed, however, there can be instances where this is not possible. In such cases, a veterinary assessment is carried out to determine each individual animal’s fitness to transport.

Animals which are severely welfare comprised and deemed to be unfit for transport are humanely euthanised on-site in line with the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.

All such operations are carefully planned and risk assessed on a case specific basis by my Department. These operations are carried out in accordance with established Department processes and where appropriate with the support and assistance of An Garda Síochána.

These processes are subject to ongoing review and evolve based on operational experience.

In conclusion I can assure the Deputy that my Department is committed to the policy that animal welfare standards are vigorously applied in a fair and even-handed manner.