Dept of Agriculture allowed animal injected with unknown substance enter food chain

THERE were heated exchanges in the Dáil on Wednesday evening as Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture Tom Hayes was quizzed by Sinn Féin's Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin as to why an animal injected with an unknown – and possibly toxic – substance was permitted to enter the food chain.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said the incident, which came to light following a court case in Cavan, is incredibly worrying for consumers and for the reputation of Ireland's beef industry.

During the court case the Department of Agriculture inspectors did not consider it relevant to ascertain what the animal had been injected with and permitted the it to enter the food chain.

"What is the role of these inspectors for the Department of Agriculture if it is not to assure us as domestic consumers – and the global market – that our beef product is of the highest standards and fit, without question, for public consumption?" asked Deputy Ó Caoláin.

During the exchange, the Minister refused to address the specific case which the Cavan/Monaghan TD raised or explain whether the meat from the animal was for domestic or international consumption.

Minister Hayes went on to accuse Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin of trying to "blacken" the Irish beef industry.

A clearly angry Deputy Ó Caoláin took to his feet to demand Hayes withdraw the slur:

"How dare you make such an accusation against me!" said Deputy Ó Caoláin.

"I ask you to withdraw that scurrilous accusation which has been directed at me. I have acted at all times to ensure that this Department acts at all times to ensure the provenance of the Irish beef industry in all its component parts.

"In this instance they have failed to do so, and they have coupled together a review that did not address the issues at the core of the problem. They sought only to excuse their own behaviour."