Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 Feb 2000

Vol. 514 No. 6

Written Answers. - Veal Production.

Mary Coughlan

Question:

174 Ms Coughlan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if his attention has been drawn to the concerns being expressed regarding the slaughter of calves for the veal market; and the regulations, if any, introduced by his Department and the EU to address these concerns. [5178/00]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

I am generally aware of concerns on this topic. The position is that the slaughtering of calves for veal production is minimal in this country.

The protection of animals, including calves, at the time of slaughter is governed by the European Communities (Protection of Animals at Time of Slaughter) Regulations, 1995 (S.I. No. 114 of 1995). These regulations give effect to Council Directive 93/119/EC of 22 December 1993. They set out the rules for the treatment of animals prior to death and humane methods for the slaughter and killing of animals both within slaughterhouses and in other locations, such as farms, to ensure that animals are spared avoidable pain and suffering.