Vol. 490 No. 2
141 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the progress, if any, to date by his Department to appoint additional veterinary inspectors to meat plants, particularly in the Kilkenny area; and which appointments have been approved by the Department of Finance. [10019/98]
A significant number of temporarily derogated abattoirs, which were under the control of local authorities, have upgraded their facilities to full directive standard. One such plant in County Kilkenny has recently completed its upgrading programme to the standard required under Council Directive 64/433/EEC, as amended, and is awaiting listing under that directive. I am aware of the pressure these additional plants place on existing resources and every effort is being made to ensure that veterinary staff are maintained at the maximum permitted.
