Prominent TD calls for investigation after 'serious' whistleblower claims

A whistleblower from Ireland's department of agriculture has reportedly made a protected disclosure into alleged wrongdoing around investigations within the equine industry, prompting a call for an independent investigation from Kildare Teachta Dála (TD) Catherine Murphy.

A report from RTE, Ireland's national television and radio broadcaster, on Friday revealed claims were made late last year by an individual who says there have been cases where the relevant authorities were not made aware of prohibited substances being identified.

Murphy, co-leader and co-founder of the Social Democrats, said: "There is a protected disclosure that has been made to the department of agriculture and I think that needs to be dealt with outside of the department, that they engage somebody independent."