asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will make arrangements for a conference to be held between the Garda and his Department in regard to outlets for cattle which do not seek blue cards or tags.
33.
Written Answers. - Monitoring of Cattle.
13.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the checks, if any, his Department have made in regard to outlets who do not require blue cards or tags on cattle before slaughter; and if his Departmental officials have had any discussions with the Garda in this matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 33 together.
Under the disease regulations a bovine animal may not be exposed at a sale or moved or permitted to be moved into a slaughtering premises unless it has an identifying ear tag and corresponding card or permit. My Department's officers carry out regular checks at marts, meat export factories and other slaughtering premises to ensure that the regulations are observed. These matters were discussed at a recent meeting attended by officers of my Department and of the Department of Justice, together with a representative of the Garda Síochána.