asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of the existence of unlicensed slaughterhouses; the arrangements which have been made by his Department for the closure of such premises in view of the lack of control therein in the interest of public health and safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Unlicensed Slaughterhouses.
342.
The licensing of slaughterhouses catering for the domestic market is a function of local authorities and any action required in relation to unlicensed premises is their responsibility. The produce of these slaughterhouses is subject to the food hygiene regulations administered by the regional health boards.
The Government have decided to introduce legislation to apply standards of veterinary control and hygiene at local slaughtering premises which would be on a par with the standards applying at export premises, which are under the control of my Department and to charge appropriate fees to meet the cost of veterinary inspection. The preparation of the legislation is in hand and I intend to have the new proposals before the Oireachtas as early as possible.