Vol. 514 No. 3
129 Mr. D. Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the veterinary and other charges deducted on cattle for slaughter; and the way in which this compares to the position in Northern Ireland. [3450/00]
Veterinary meat inspection fees are charged on the basis of actual costs per plant. EU regulations allow meat plants to pass on to cattle producers that element of the cost that is appropriate to slaughtering. The amount passed on to producers can vary and will depend on the precise arrangements between the individual plants and their suppliers. The veterinary inspection system in Northern Ireland differs from this Department's system and the charges are based on the standard cost approach.
