James Leonard
Question:206 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if his attention has been drawn to defects in cattle slats; and the steps, if any, he proposes to take in this regard. [15539/95]
Written Answers. - Cattle Slat Defects.
The use of concrete slats in animal housing was an innovative development of the early 1970s. The Department grant aided such houses on the understanding that components such as slats were replaceable elements which would have a useful, if limited, working life. This has proved to be the case.
A National Standard IS 249:82 for slats was introduced by the National Standards Authority, then IIRS, now EOLAS based on the best available information at that time. In 1992 my Department again co-operated in the work leading to the revised Standard IS 249:92 which had become necessary following national and international experience.
Many of the early slats have come to the end of their useful life. The need to ensure the safety of farm families and farm workers as well as animals must be borne in mind by all farmers. Slats consequently should be checked at regular intervals to ensure that they are structurally sound. Where this procedure involves tank entry it is imperative that breathing apparatus be used.
My Department has considered grant aid for the replacement of such slats but after deliberation has decided that it is more important that the limited aid available be directed to farms where no such buildings have been constructed and the need is greatest.