Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 26 Mar 1996

Vol. 463 No. 3

Written Answers. - Veterinary Practice Regulations.

James Leonard

Question:

355 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the regulations that cover veterinary practices regarding birthing ewes in difficulty, sluicing and removal of afterbirths and with responsibility for disposal of cadavers; the agency responsible for enforcing these regulations; and the progress, if any, that has been made to ensure that these regulations are enforced. [6112/96]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. Yates)

The Veterinary Surgeons Acts, 1931 to 1960 regulate the practice of veterinary medicine and surgery in Ireland. Only registered veterinary surgeons may provide veterinary services to the public and the Veterinary Council is empowered to prosecute unregistered persons who provide such services.

Cadavers, including still born animals, are designated high risk waste under the European Communities (Disposal, Processing and Placing on the Market of Animal By-Products) Regulations, 1994 and must be disposed of by rendering or, in exceptional circumstances, under licence of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry, by burial or burning. Disposal by burial or burning must be in accordance with the relevant environmental protection and waste disposal regulations of the Department of the Environment and the local authority in whose functional area the disposal takes place.