asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state the approximate number of cattle, sheep and lambs slaughtered in private abattoirs for sale for human consumption in Dublin City during the year 1948; whether he is aware that such animals are not slaughtered under the supervision of a veterinary inspector, and if he will take steps to ensure that all animals slaughtered for sale in Dublin City for human consumption in the future are slaughtered under the supervision of a veterinary officer; that they are examined prior to and subsequent to slaughter and that every animal found unfit for human consumption on such examination is condemned and rendered incapable of being sold for human consumption.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Private Abattoirs.
During the year 1948, 38,519 cattle and 90,789 sheep and lambs were slaughtered for human consumption in private slaughter-houses in the City of Dublin. These private slaughter-houses are subjected to inspection by veterinary officers of the Dublin Corporation but, in view of the large number of premises concerned, namely, 54, it is not possible for the corporation to have the slaughtering of animals in such premises carried out under the continuous supervision of a veterinary officer. While I do not consider the present arrangements entirely satisfactory, I am satisfied that, under the existing inspection system of the Dublin Corporation and with the co-operation which exists between owners of private slaughter-houses and the corporation's veterinary staff, the risk of meat unfit for human consumption being offered for sale is reduced to a minimum.
Is the Minister aware that undoubtedly there is risk and danger in the present arrangement? If the owner of an animal slaughtered does not report it, that animal may be sold as meat for human consumption. The Minister agrees that is not satisfactory?
I am aware that a loophole does exist but the Deputy will be glad to know that discussions are at present going on between the Department of Local Government and the Dublin Corporation with a view to providing abattoir accommodation sufficient to permit of all animals slaughtered for human consumption in Dublin to be slaughtered in that abattoir.
In the meantime, will the Minister consider increasing the number of inspectors to eliminate the risk incurred?
I would mislead the Deputy if I were to say that I could contemplate providing continuous supervision in all the existing licensed slaughter-houses. I will certainly look into the matter more closely with my own staff but pending the provision of central abattoir facilities in the city I do not think we can promise that there will be absolute security in this matter.