asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries what regulations are in force for the collection of dead animals.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dead Animals.
17.
I have no function in regard to the collection of the carcases of dead animals except in the case of animals caused by me to be slaughtered under the provisions of the Diseases of Animals Act, 1966 for the prevention of the spreading of disease or which die before they can be so slaughtered.
Does the Minister consider he should have control as far as the collection of animals is concerned, particularly in cases where dead animals are brought to a depot, where the carcases are cut up and redistributed to dog owners throughout the country? Does the Minister consider that this practice constitutes a health hazard? Does the Minister consider it is a serious problem where there are depots for the collection of dead animals and where some people are making a large profit in the redistribution of the carcases—very often of diseased animals?
The question of the health hazard involved in the matter of the disposal of dead animals is one for the sanitary authority of the area. I accept that it is important to ensure that there is no infringement of sanitary regulations but this does not devolve on my Department.
Is the Minister saying he is not concerned about the practice of the redistribution of the carcases of diseased animals?
That does not arise on this question. The question refers to the collection of dead animals and nothing else.
My supplementary question is in connection with dead animals——
That is a matter for another Minister.
Any question in relation to animal disease would, of course, be the concern of my Department. However, as I have already pointed out, the question of the disposal of carcases of animals is a matter for the sanitary authority.
Will the Minister not admit that the disposal of the carcases could spread bovine TB and brucellosis to other cattle and that this comes within the jurisdiction of his Department?
Is the Minister further aware that there is no control over depots to which dead animals are brought?
There is such control and I am not aware that it is not effective in the matter of health considerations.