Northern Ireland chief vet's status unknown after job advert

It is not known whether Dr Robert Huey, who was criticised in a tribunal, is still NI's chief veterinary officer despite the role being advertised

Northern Ireland is looking for a new chief veterinary officer but it is not clear whether the under fire figure who held the position is still in the post.

Last year, a tribunal criticised Dr Robert Huey's conduct towards another vet.

Dr Tamara Bronckaers was awarded a pay-out of £1.25m, after it ruled she had been constructively dismissed.

The tribunal said Dr Huey had been "intimidating, patronising, belittling and dismissive".

A job advertisement has been placed by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), which says the chief veterinary officer post has an under-review salary range of £96,722 to £108,118.

The department did not confirm whether Dr Huey is still in the role while the recruitment process continues, saying "it is not appropriate to comment on individual employee matters".

It added that "the recruitment process for Northern Ireland's next chief veterinary officer is under way and we would encourage those interested to apply".

Dr Bronckaers said the past few years had been "harrowing"

Dr Bronckaers had raised concerns over the enforcement of traceability rules and animal welfare standards at livestock marts that were not acted on by her line manager or the chief veterinary officer.

Dr Huey initially appealed the ruling, but later withdrew the challenge.

In the wake of the tribunal, an internal review was established and a taskforce set up to implement its recommendations.