Agriculture Minister Michael Creed has been invited to attend a sitting of Longford District Court to explain his department’s response to fears of how a rising cohort of “rogue farmers” are undermining Ireland's beef industry for financial gain.
Judge Seamus Hughes issued the invite to the Fine Gael minister after Department of Agriculture officials prosecuted a Co Westmeath man for allegedly procuring medication for cattle without a required veterinary prescription.
The case, taken against a Westmeath farmer concerning allegations five bottles of Imizol (a sterile solution used for the treatment and prevention of bovine babesiosis or redwater fever) were obtained at a veterinary clinic across the border in Co Fermanagh.
Pre-signed cheque
It was alleged a pre-signed cheque had been handed to another individual as part of the transaction in an offence which took place in May 2018 at Baratogher, Rathowen, Co Westmeath.
In my view, it’s a case of don’t look, don’t find
In evidence provided by Department of Agriculture veterinary surgeon Louis O’Riordan, the court was told of how such incidences were becoming more difficult to detect due to government cutbacks.
“I think there is an absence of political will,“ he said.
“In my view, it’s a case of don’t look, don’t find.“
The comments drew a terse reaction from Judge Seamus Hughes who said there appeared to be an increasing number of what he termed "rogue farmers" that were hellbent on compromising the quality of Ireland’s export beef trade for monetary gain.
I will invite Michael Creed to come to court. He won’t come, I know that and he will send a senior civil servant but I want a representative from the department here
And, in a further unexpected step, Judge Hughes said he would be asking Mr Creed to Longford in order to explain his department's response to the allegations.
“I am not completing this case here today,“ he said.
“I will invite Michael Creed to come to court. He won’t come, I know that and he will send a senior civil servant but I want a representative from the department here in court as this is of grave consequence to the national herd and export trade.“
Ambiguity
Judge Hughes added it was his view the case had shone a light on the level of ambiguity which now existed in Ireland’s beef sector.
“This is the tip of the iceberg,“ he said.
“Something is awry here and there is billions of euro at stake.“
The case was adjourned until 15 September next.
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