There is currently a licensed fallen animal collector operating in Waterford county and a number of other licensed operators in adjoining counties who provide a similar service. These are part of a national network of knackeries licensed under the European Communities (Knackery) Regulations, 1996 (SI No. 396 of 1996). My Department is currently examining ways of improving the efficiency of the fallen animal collection system to ensure that the maximum number of animals are collected throughout the country and disposed of safely.