Martin Heydon, the Minister for Agriculture, has appointed Robert Huey to the board of Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) despite a tribunal's findings of his 'intimidating' behavior towards a whistleblower. Huey, who served as the chief veterinary officer for Northern Ireland for 12 years, faced criticism following a 2021 tribunal ruling that concluded he acted in a 'patronising' manner towards Tamara Bronckaers, a vet who raised concerns about animal welfare. Bronckaers was awarded a £1.25 million (€1.44 million) settlement after her constructive dismissal case. The tribunal found Huey's actions were detrimental to Bronckaers and noted that her whistleblowing significantly influenced the negative treatment she received. Despite the serious allegations against him, Heydon's department did not confirm whether he was aware of these findings when making the appointment. Huey was one of four candidates considered for the position, identified by the Northern Ireland Sports Forum, and did not formally apply for the role.