Vol. 489 No. 6
333 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will introduce a package of measures to assist local abattoirs to upgrade their premises to meet the demanding standards under the Abattoirs Act, 1988 and EU Regulations; if so, when this will occur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9364/98]
It has not been possible to provide financial aid to assist local abattoirs to upgrade their premises from resources available to my Department. The necessary upgrading arises out of the need to comply fully with the hygiene requirements of Council Directive 91/497/EEC and Council Directive 95/23/EC. Standard operating procedures have been drawn up which will ensure that any costs involved for small abattoirs slaughtering less than six livestock units per week will be minimised.
