Vol. 515 No. 6
117 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the number of knackery licences issued by his Department under the European Communities (Knackery) Regulations, 1996, since the implementation of the regulations; and the names and addresses of those who have received licences. [6607/00]
There are currently 45 knackeries licensed by my Department under the European Communities (Knackery) regulations, 1996 (S.I. No. 396 of 1996). A copy of the latest approved list indicating the names and addresses of those who have received licences is being forwarded to the Deputy.
118 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the inspection procedures carried out on knackery plants before licences are issued. [6608/00]
A person who wishes to collect and dispose of fallen animals must make a formal application to my Department for a knackery license. Upon receipt of an application, arrangements are then made for an official inspection of the proposed premises by a veterinary inspector from the local district veterinary office. The scrutiny of the premises for the purpose of issuing a licence is based on the criteria set down in the European Communities (Knackery) regulations, 1996 (S.I. No. 396 of 1996) including the need for adequate storage, processing and transportation facilities.
119 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if a knackery licence has been granted by his Department to a knackery plant in Grenagh or Rathduff, County Cork. [6609/00]
There is no record of a knackery licence having being issued to a premises in Grenagh or Rathduff, County Cork.
120 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the sanctions, if any, taken by his Department if knackery plants operate without a licence from his Depart ment under the European Communities (Knackery) regulations, 1996. [6610/00]
121 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the number of times and against whom sanctions have been taken against unlicensed knackery plants. [6611/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 120 and 121 together.
A system of licensing knackeries was introduced in 1996 to implement the European Communities (Knackery) regulations, 1996 (S.I. No. 396 of 1996). A person guilty of an offence under the knackery regulations is liable on summary conviction to a fine of up to £1,000 and/or a term of imprisonment not exceeding six months. Since the introduction of these regulations a considerable number of fallen animal collectors have chosen to discontinue operations leaving a network of 45 licensed knackeries at present.
To date there have been no prosecutions under these regulations.
