The "abuse and unlawful use" of powers by the Minister for Agriculture under the Animal Remedies Act had effectively closed down a major manufacturer of veterinary products in Ireland, the High Court has been told.
Ms Justice Macken was told yesterday that on March 18th last Department officials had searched the premises of Franklin Pharmaceuticals (Ireland) Ltd, at Athboy, Trim, Co Meath, seizing records of transactions with two English companies, Novavet Ltd and Scanpak Ltd.
Mr Gerry Ryan, counsel for the company, said the Government officials had taken keys from staff members and changed the lock on the main gate, impounding practically all of the company's stock of raw material and packaging, most of which did not relate to the products under investigation. Mr Jacques Van't Hart, the company's management consultant, told the court the items allegedly complained of, all antibiotics dealt in as finished products, were items licensed by the Irish Medicines Board. The company's solicitors had asked the Department to remove its restrictions, but there had been no response.
Ms Justice Macken granted an interim injunction restraining the Minister from continuing to maintain or seize the goods of the company save those which consisted of or comprised antibiotic veterinary pharmaceuticals and their packaging. The judge ordered Department officials to release to the company all other goods impounded and seized on foot of the Minister's direction.