Vol. 475 No. 4
268 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the minimum age at which calves can be transported to a processing centre for slaughter under the CPA scheme; if there is any obligation to take the calves to the nearest centre for slaughter; and if so, the steps, if any, taken to ensure that this happens. [5158/97]
The transport of calves is subject to the strict conditions set down under EU and national legislation.
Under the Diseases of Animals (Protection of Animals during Transport) Order, 1995 (S.I. No. 98 of 1995) no person shall cause or permit the transport of any newborn animal.
In order to minimise transport distances for calves under the EU calf processing scheme the approved processing centres are strategically placed in export licensed premises located throughout the country. It is not feasible to require that calves are taken to the nearest centre.
The processing centres are required to meet strict animal welfare requirements. Only animals which are in a fit and healthy condition on presentation and which are processed in conformity with the conditions applying under the scheme can avail of the premiums. I am, therefore, satisfied that the scheme as operated should not give rise to animal welfare problems.
269 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if calves were transported from the Republic via Northern Ireland and Scotland to Wales prior to the CPA scheme for slaughter under the United Kingdom CPA scheme. [5159/97]
Calves may legally be exported to other EU member states subject to compliance with EU animal health and animal welfare requirements. The presentation of these calves for slaughter under the UK calf slaughter scheme was not precluded under the EU rules governing that scheme and would have been entirely a matter for the UK authorities.
