Róisín Shortall
Question:58 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his views on the adequacy of testing procedures in abattoirs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23959/98]
Written Answers. - Abattoir Procedures.
The standards and testing procedures for meat destined for human consumption are laid down in the Abattoirs Act, 1988 (Veterinary Examination) Regulations, as amended, which implement EU Council Directives on the production of all meat in the community. In the EU approved slaughtering plants for which my Department has direct responsibility I am satisfied with the official testing procedures in place.
As regards abattoirs serving the domestic market, under the Abattoirs Act, 1988, my Department is responsible for the annual licensing of such premises. Statutory responsibility for day to day operations, including ante and post mortem examinations of animals and meat, rests with the relevant local authority.