Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 May 1996

Vol. 465 No. 1

Written Answers. - Disposal of Animal Cadavers.

Séamus Hughes

Question:

199 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the action, if any, he proposes to take regarding the practice of some veterinary practices who return cadavers including still born animals to farmers in view of the fact that it is a reasonable presumption that the carcase is simply buried on farmland; the further steps, if any, he proposes to take to inform practices of current regulations; and the resources that are available to him to ensure that best practice is adhered to. [9169/96]

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

My Department is not aware of the practice referred to by the Deputy. Perhaps he could arrange to let me have specific details. The legal position is that cadavers, including stillborn animals, are designated high risk waste under the European Communities (Disposal, Processing and Placing on the Market of Animals 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.