2657. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether an investigation has been initiated into the conduct of the recent enforcement operations in Roscommon and Clare, including whether officials complied with Departmental protocols relating to animal welfare during on-farm euthanasia; if video footage of the operations has been reviewed; if he will publish the findings of any such review; and if he make a statement on the matter. [59915/26]

2680. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to the enforcement operation undertaken by his Department in County Roscommon in July 2026, whether he is satisfied that all animal welfare, operational and legal procedures were complied with; whether a review of the operation has been undertaken or is planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61266/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 2657 and 2680 together.

As you will appreciate, I cannot comment on any individual case or operation specifics.

In general terms, every herdowner has legal obligations and responsibilities to ensure that the health and welfare of the animals they own or control is safeguarded. This includes that animals are routinely inspected, that animals in need of care receive care as soon as possible, that animals are not subjected to unnecessary pain and suffering and that animals are provided with sufficient quantities of food and water to meet their needs.

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 their establishment of origin is undertaken as a last resort and my Department’s preference is to proactively engage with herd owners to try and resolve welfare related non-compliance matters in a voluntary manner or failing that, through the issuing of legal notices or formal direction under the Department’s authorised officer powers.

Where it is necessary to remove animals from their establishment of origin to safeguard their health and welfare, the animals can be safely loaded on site and removed. However there can be instances where this is not possible, such as if the animals are unfit for transport.

Where animals are seized and detained on farm, a veterinary assessment is carried out to determine each individual animal’s fitness to transport. Animals which are severely welfare compromised and deemed to be unfit for transport are humanely euthanised on-site in line with the provisions of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 on the farm and are disposed through the knackery collection services. These operations are carried out in accordance with established Department processes and where appropriate with the support and assistance of An Garda Síochána.

My Department is committed to the policy that animal welfare standards are vigorously applied in a fair and even-handed manner.