Michael Ring
Question:218 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the plans, if any, he has to subsidise the offal collection service for butchers and farmers. [21236/99]
Written Answers. - Offal Collection Service.
I am aware of the increased prices for offal and fallen animal collection for both butchers and farmers. These increases have been caused by an international downturn in the demand for animal feed products produced by the rendering industry. These markets have improved in recent times and I am hopeful that charges by renderers will reflect this. In these circumstances, the existing collection and handling arrangements for fallen animals and offal remain appropriate.