Vol. 411 No. 2
42 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if requirements under the Abattoirs Act, 1988 are being complied with in relation to the payment of fees to veterinary inspectors; if not, the reason that such provisions are not being complied with at present; when he expects to be in a position to implement such requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The provisions of the Abattoirs Act, 1988 which provide for the collection of fees by local authorities in respect of veterinary examination of animals in domestic abattoirs will be introduced when regulations providing for the veterinary examination and health marking of fit meat are finalised.
The regulations were at the final stages of preparation when Council Directive 91/497, which lays down structural and hygiene standards for the production of all fresh meat in the Community, was adopted.
Some provisions of the draft Veterinary Examination Regulations are being amended to conform with the EC Directive. It is expected that they will be finalised shortly.
