UFU warns DAERA cannot restore trust by ‘investigating itself’

The Ulster Farmers’ Union has called for an independent expert panel to be established to support and review the investigation into DAERA’s enforcement operation near Fivemiletown, warning that confidence in the Department’s veterinary and enforcement processes has been severely damaged.

Ahead of Monday’s Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (AERA) Committee meeting at Stormont, the Union is urging that the review be supported by an independent panel bringing together expertise from outside DAERA, including specialists in agriculture, veterinary medicine, animal welfare and law, ensuring every aspect of the operation is examined objectively and without prejudice.

The UFU who have previously issued a vote of no confidence in DAERA, believes the AERA Committee should play a central oversight role throughout the review process, ensuring the Department remains publicly accountable and that recommendations are implemented with any additional capacity required to support this provided.

UFU President John McLenaghan said, “The events that unfolded near Fivemiletown have shaken confidence in DAERA to its core. We have heard from members in every county and from every farming sector. They are asking how this could happen, the chain of events that led to the incident, whether it could have been prevented and, most importantly, how confidence can be restored.”

“The farming community will not regain confidence if the Department is perceived to be investigating itself. This review must be demonstrably independent, transparent and robust. It must command the confidence of farmers and the wider public alike.”

Mr McLenaghan continued, “This is about far more than one enforcement operation. It is about confidence in the systems that regulate animal health and welfare across Northern Ireland. Farmers must have confidence that enforcement decisions are proportionate, transparent and carried out professionally. Right now, that confidence isn’t there.”

“If the review identifies failings, poor judgement or wrongdoing, those responsible must be held accountable. Accountability cannot stop at identifying what went wrong. It must include taking appropriate action where standards have not been met.”

The Union is also encouraging anyone with relevant information relating to the operation to ensure it is brought forward through the appropriate channels. Individuals with any information that may assist the Assembly’s scrutiny are encouraged to provide it to the AERA Committee.

Ahead of Monday’s Committee session, the UFU is continuing discussions with political representatives from across the Assembly to ensure members of the Committee fully appreciate the scale of concern that exists throughout the farming community and the importance of securing meaningful answers from DAERA officials.

Mr McLenaghan said, “Monday cannot become a box-ticking exercise. It must be a genuine examination of what happened, why it happened and what must now be actioned. Farmers expect searching questions, complete transparency and honest answers.”

“Our role as the Ulster Farmers’ Union is to represent our members. We will continue pressing for answers, pushing for meaningful change and ensuring that the voices of farming families are heard at every stage of this process.”