Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 29 Nov 1990

Vol. 403 No. 3

Written Answers. - Number of Slaughter Houses.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

64 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the total number of slaughter houses-abattoirs currently supplying the domestic meat trade; the total number of persons employed on such premises on (a) 1 June 1987; (b) 1 June 1988; (c) 1 June 1989 and (d) 1 June 1990; the percentage of these premises which have been modernised in accordance with the Abattoirs Act, 1988; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. O'Kennedy)

The total number of applications for abattoir licences under the Abattoirs Act, 1988 received to date is 697.

The total number of persons employed in such premises is not available.

Seventy nine per cent of the applicants have been issued with permits, which require them to modernise their premises and in most of these cases this work is in progress. Two per cent have reached licensing standard and do not require modernisation.