Northern Ireland
Assembly

Paul Carlisle
Clerk to the Committee for
Agriculture and Rural Development
Parliament Buildings
Stormont
Belfast
BT4 3XX

Sir Hugh Orde OBE
Chief Constable
Police Service for Northern Ireland
Police Headquarters
65 Knock Road
Belfast
BT5 6LE

11 February 2009

Dear Chief Constable

Feedstuffs contaminated by dioxins

The Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development (the Committee) has asked that I write to you in respect of the above matter.

As you will be aware there are ongoing concerns regarding the discovery of dioxins in contaminated feedstuffs which resulted in pork and pork products being removed from retail outlets shortly before Christmas. These contaminated feeds have also been given to a number of large beef herds. A number of restrictions have been placed in respect of movement and disposal of animals, produce and by-products and these restrictions have placed a heavy financial burden on the pig and beef producers involved.

It is the Committee understanding that the feed stuffs were sourced from the Republic of Ireland and that the Police Service for Northern Ireland, in conjunction with their colleagues in the Garda Síochána, is currently investigating the matter. . For your information, the Committee agreed at it’s meeting of 10 February 2009 to undertake an inquiry into the dioxin scare. Obviously the Committee would not wish to commence this if it were to prejudice your own investigation.

The Committee is appreciative that this is an ongoing investigation but would be grateful if you could provide it with a written update on the progress of the current investigation.

I am happy to discuss

Yours sincerely

Paul Carlisle
Clerk to the Committee for
Agriculture and Rural Development