DAERA welcomes Criminal Justice Inspectorate report on fraud and enforcement

The Criminal Justice Inspectorate (CJI) today issued a report of its inspection of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) Fraud Investigations and Enforcement Activities.

In its report it stated that the work carried out by DARD’s (now DAERA) Criminal Investigation Service (CIS) and its Veterinary Service Enforcement Branch (VSEB) was of a high standard.

In response, a spokesman for the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs said: “The Department welcomes the CJI report on its inspection of fraud investigation and veterinary enforcement.

“The report found that the Department conducted investigations and prepared prosecution files of enforcement action to a high standard. Furthermore, we are grateful that our dual approach to securing compliance through both inspections and warnings alongside court prosecutions has been highlighted.

“A significant amount of work is undertaken in both investigation and enforcement areas in building trust and confidence across the agri-food and its customers, the farming industries and among our wider stakeholder group. It is very important that this effort has been recognised.

“The Department is now considering carefully the report’s recommendations before moving forward.”

Notes to editors: 

1. The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) was formed on 8 May 2016. It comprised functions from the former Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), Environment (DOE) and Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) as well as some from the Office of First and deputy First Minister (OFMdFM).
2. CJI inspected DARD’s Criminal Investigation Service (CIS) and Veterinary Service Enforcement Branch. CIS responsibility for investigating fraud has since been transferred to the Group Internal Audit and Fraud Investigation Service (GIAFIS) which sits within the Department of Finance (DoF).
3. Follow us on Twitter @daera_ni.
4. All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office on 028 9052 4619 or email DAERA Press Office. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07623 974 383 and your call will be returned.

Share this page