Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Dec 1997

Vol. 483 No. 6

Written Answers. - Abattoir Regulations.

Denis Naughten

Question:

138 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the agreement, if any, he has reached with the Irish Butchers Association following his meeting with them on 12 November 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21668/97]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

I received a comprehensive submission from the Small Abattoir Group of the Irish Butchers Association and I subsequently met representatives of the association to discuss its contents.

Officials of my Department recently met representatives of the association to discuss in particular the proposed amendments to the Abatotoirs Act 1988 (Abattoirs) Regulations 1989 which had been sent to interested parties for comments. I await the formal comments of the association on the draft regulations following detailed clarification provided at that meeting about the standards required.

I have no plans to introduce national aid for upgrading abattoirs.