Vol. 515 No. 1
123 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the plans, if any, he has for a nationally funded collection of dead and worn out animals in view of the exorbitant charges farmers have to pay for disposal of these animals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5534/00]
At present a system of private collection of fallen animals operates throughout the country. In the latter part of last year the economics of this collection system were adversely affected by a collapse in the international market for meat and bonemeal. This market has now strengthened with beneficial knock-on effects for fallen animal collectors. I will, nevertheless, keep the situation under review.
