There are calls for Agriculture Minister and Donegal TD Charlie McConalogue to explain why he is seeking to set aside a suspended prison sentence imposed on a Department of Agriculture official from Sligo who was convicted of animal neglect and welfare offences.
The convictions were imposed at Sligo District Court last June.
The Minister is now appealing the penalty in judicial review proceedings before the High Court, arguing that a fine should have been imposed instead.
Sinn Fein Spokesman on Agriculture Matt Carthy said it appeared bizzare that any employer would take a legal action in relation to a convicted staff member while Social Democrats Agriculture Spokesperson Holly Cairns said the Minister is seeking to judicially review a case that he had won.
It’s expected the Minister’s application will be dealt with in the High Court in October.
