Vol. 413 No. 1
77 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the total cost being incurred by local authorities in the provision of the abattoirs inspection service; if he will outline whether local authorities that wish to charge on a per animal basis inspected by the veterinary inspectors at the abattoirs can continue to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am aware of the financial burden on some local authorities who have complied with the provisions of the Abattoirs Act 1988 which requires the appointment of wholetime veterinary inspectors to carry out the functions conferred on a veterinary inspector under the Act.
Fees may be charged by local authorities where by-laws in respect of meat inspection are in existence. These by-laws are applicable until such time as the veterinary examination and health mark regulations are introduced.
These draft regulations are being amended to conform with a new EC Directive on the conditions for the production of fresh meat and it is expected that they will be introduced shortly.
