Controversial Vet Appointed to Horse Sport Ireland Board Despite Past Misconduct
Minister appoints vet found to have engaged in ‘intimidating’ behaviour to State board
The Irish Times
Image: The Irish Times
Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon appointed Robert Huey to the Horse Sport Ireland board despite a tribunal finding him guilty of intimidating behavior towards a whistleblower. Huey's actions were deemed detrimental to a vet who raised animal welfare concerns, leading to a significant settlement for the whistleblower.
- 01Robert Huey was appointed to the Horse Sport Ireland board by Minister Martin Heydon.
- 02A tribunal found Huey engaged in 'intimidating' and 'patronising' behavior towards Tamara Bronckaers, a whistleblower.
- 03Bronckaers received a £1.25 million (€1.44 million) settlement after her constructive dismissal case.
- 04Huey's tenure as chief veterinary officer lasted from 2013 to 2024.
- 05The Northern Ireland Sports Forum identified Huey as a candidate for the board without him applying for the position.
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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.
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The appointment of Huey may undermine trust in animal welfare oversight in Northern Ireland.
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