The Minister for Agriculture has received a response from the Chief States Solicitor’s Office in relation to possible milk quota irregularities involving a large Glanbia milk supplier and Clongowes Wood school.
Responding to a parliamentary question from Sinn Fein TD Martin Ferris the Minister said he has, within the last fortnight, received a preliminary response from Counsel appointed by the Chief State Solicitor’s Office on the case.
The Minister said the Counsel has requested some clarifications on issues pertaining to the case and officials within the Department are currently preparing a response to these issues.
The alleged milk movement irregularities came to light following an investigation conducted by the Department of Agriculture into possible milk quota irregularities involving Glanbia board member and Tipperary milk supplier Bill Carroll and Clongowes Wood school the Minister has referred file has been sent Chief State Solicitor’s Office.
In January 2014 of this year, the Department received information alleging non-compliances by the supplier and Glanbia with the Regulations governing the milk quota regime.
In summary, the allegation was that a milk producer was having his milk collections credited to another milk supplier. The information received also alleged that this activity was being facilitated by Glanbia.
The Minister said at the time that he regards it as critically important that Milk Quota Regulations are upheld in full, and against the background outlined above.
The Minister immediately initiated a full investigation in this instance.
Following the completion of the investigation, the Minister said, corrective action was taken.
The Minister said following a fundamental review of milk recording within the milk processor, he made arrangements to have this corrective action independently verified.
The milk deliveries concerned were reallocated and any super levy arising as a result was to be paid in full.
The Minister then referred the file in this case to Chief State Solicitor’s Office for advice on whether any further action is warranted.