asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of untagged Cattle killed at a meat plant (details supplied) for 1987, 1988 and the first quarter of 1989.
Written Answers. - Untagged Cattle.
109.
This information is not available. Compliance with the regulations governing the presentation of animals for slaughter was monitored by my Department through the undertaking of spot checks at factory premises during 1987 and 1988.
Under the revised arrangements relating to disease eradication, the checking of animals is a matter for ERAD and I am advised by the Director of ERAD that as from 1 February 1989 each animal for slaughter is individually checked in by factory staff under the supervision of officers of my Department. Any animal without an ear tag is returned to its herd of origin and the herd is restricted pending determination of its health status.