Minister appoints vet found to have engaged in ‘intimidating’ behaviour to State board

Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon has appointed Robert Huey, a senior veterinarian, to the board of Horse Sport Ireland (HSI), the national body for equestrian sports. This appointment comes despite an industrial tribunal ruling in 2021 that found Huey engaged in "intimidating" and "patronizing" actions toward a whistleblower. The whistleblower, Tamara Bronckaers, a Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs vet, was awarded a £1.25 million settlement after successfully claiming constructive dismissal following her whistleblowing on animal welfare concerns.

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We found it to have been reasonable for the claimant to regard Mr Huey’s actions as intimidating, patronising and belittling and dismissive of her as a professional.

The tribunal's ruling stated that Huey's actions were "detrimental" to Bronckaers. It found it "reasonable for the claimant to regard Mr Huey’s actions as intimidating, patronising and belittling and dismissive of her as a professional." The ruling also noted that Huey provided a "deeply unsatisfactory" account of an encounter with Bronckaers in 2017, drawing an adverse inference due to his lack of candor.

Heydon's department appointed Huey to the HSI board six days ago, citing his 12-year tenure as Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer. When questioned, Heydon's department declined to confirm whether the minister was aware of the tribunal's conclusions at the time of the appointment. Huey was reportedly selected from a list of candidates identified by the Northern Ireland Sports Forum, rather than applying directly for the position.

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We do not find the account given by Mr Huey to be candid, reliable or full and we therefore draw an adverse inference in relation to the reason why this incident occurred.

Neither Horse Sport Ireland nor Robert Huey provided a substantive response to inquiries. A spokesperson for Horse Sport Ireland stated it would be "inappropriate to comment on a ministerial appointment." The case highlights a potential conflict between the need for experienced leadership and the importance of accountability for conduct found to be detrimental to staff raising legitimate concerns.

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It would be inappropriate to comment on a ministerial appointment.