asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware of the objections of residents in the vicinity of city abattoirs to the operation of these plants which are in or adjacent to residential areas; if he has under consideration any revision of the existing law in the matter; if he is aware of the practice in other EEC countries of locating modernised plants on the outskirts of urban areas; and whether any consideration has been given to submitting an application to the EEC for funds for this purpose.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Location of Abattoirs.
5.
I have received representations on behalf of residents who are concerned about the position in Dublin. Slaughterhouses catering for the domestic market are the responsibility of the local authorities in the areas in which they are located. The question of a review of the by-laws in operation for these premises in Dublin is therefore a matter for consideration by Dublin Corporation in the first instance.
I understand that the corporation have a review of the by-laws in train at present. I am aware of the general trend in favour of placing modern premises of this kind in non-urban locations and also of the availability of EEC funds in this connection. Details of the FEOGA funds and the conditions under which they may be availed of have been made known to interested parties in this country.
Is the Minister aware of the number of illegal abbatoirs operating in Dublin city at present?
I have not specific information on that. I am aware that there are a number of such houses located in different parts of the country. As I have indicated, in the first instance, they are a matter in respect of which the local authority in the area must take appropriate action.
My understanding is that they are a matter for the Minister's Department. Specific information was brought to the notice of Minister of State, Deputy Allen, at a meeting in Wexford when specific instances and names were given. Has any action been taken by the Department because these people are evading taxes, levies and all types of duty due to the Department? That meeting was held about two months ago.
I accept that it is an undesirable development but I must indicate that prime responsibility rests with the corporation. I understand that here in Dublin the corporation are considering a draft of new regulations, that these are at present being studied, and I will not be in a position to indicate what action will be taken by the Department until such time as these draft regulations are submitted to my Department from the corporation.
This is——
I have allowed the Deputy to ask two supplementaries which were not pertinent to the question.
This is complete evasion as far as I am concerned. The corporation are not involved so far as levies are concerned; it is the Department who are involved. As far as I am aware the Minister has the specific information but, according to the Minister's replies, the Department have taken no action whatsoever, which is most unsatisfactory.
If the Deputy's question relates to levies, might I suggest——
My question relates to illegal abbatoris operating in Dublin.
If it relates to levies it has very little to do with the question put down. If the Deputy will put down a question to that effect I will answer it.
Question No. 6.
I should like to point out to the Minister that these are abbatoirs which relate to Question No. 5——
I am sorry, Deputy, Question No. 6.
——and are operating illegally in Dublin.
Would the Minister please answer Question No. 6?