ICMSA welcomes Independent Review into Brennan Farm case

The President of ICMSA, Denis Drennan, has described as “worthy and to be welcomed” the announcement by Minister McConalogue of an independent review and assessment into a complaint made by Dan Brennan of Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny and the investigation of that complaint. Mr Drennan called on the Minister to immediately appoint an independent person to carry out the review within a set timeframe. 

Mr. Drennan said that ICMSA supported completely Mr Brennan’s version of events and the Association had no doubt whatsoever that the circumstances around Mr. Brennan’s complaints warranted serious study with the outcome to be made public. The ICMSA President was at pains to make clear that the two aspects needed to be looked at distinctly: the allegations made by Mr Brennan and whether these were well-founded and, separately, whether the Department’s handling of those allegations and investigations were proper and met the standards expected and set out.

The ICMSA President said that it was supremely important that farmers – and all citizens – had trust in the ability and willingness of Government agencies to investigate serious matters and deliver clear explanations.     

Mr. Drennan said that the work of the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and Marine on this matter was notable and robust and while farmers did not expect a ‘running commentary’ while the review was conducted, it was crucial that the Minister undertake to publish – in full and unexpurgated – the findings of the independent review and also to appear before the Oireachtas Committee to answer questions arising from the review.

He said that the correct decision having been made it was now absolutely critical that the review began speedily and that long-awaited answers were finally given to the Brennan family.

Ends      5 July 2024

Denis Drennan, 086-8389401

President, ICMSA

Or

Cathal MacCarthy, 087-6168758

ICMSA Press Office