Vol. 473 No. 3
239 Mr. Kenneally asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry in relation to the issue of certificates for the removal of female animals to factory premises, if he will allow more than one location to be identified as a possible point of disposal, in view of the fact that the vendor is currently restricted to choosing one factory and may end up receiving a lower price as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25025/96]
The new movement permit arrangements in respect of female animals were introduced on 16 September 1996 as part of the ongoing measures to provide greater assurances to customers and consumers on the origin of cattle and beef slaughtered and exported. Each movement permit authenticates the origin of animals in respect of which application is made, and sanctions a specific movement from one point to a particular premises. In so doing it provides a strick control on individual movements and maximises the integrity and security of the system, which is the primary concern. Any provisions for more than one destination premises would have the effect of diluting this security and weakening the strick control currently exerted by the Department over movements of female cattle to slaughter and export. Different arrangements apply in respect of male cattle.
