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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 25 May 2000

Vol. 519 No. 7

Written Answers. - Veterinary Inspection Service.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

74 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the plans, if any, he has to rationalise the veterinary inspection facilities at meat slaughtering plants similar to the Australian model; if he has studied the implications of a change in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14771/00]

Current veterinary inspection procedures at meat slaughtering plants are specifically provided for under EU and domestic legislation. This service is aimed at providing the maximum level of food safety and meat hygiene standards and because of the high dependence on export markets for Irish beef we must ensure that we also meet the exacting requirements of European and third country customers.

I am satisfied that the present system is working effectively and it has been the subject of detailed food safety inspection audits by both the EU control authorities and inspection bodies from importing countries. Nevertheless, we are constantly looking at the service with a view to identifying efficiencies and improvements in our systems.

There are discussions under way at EU level at present to consider possible changes to the meat inspection system and it is my intention to participate in these discussions in such a way as to achieve the greatest efficiency in the use of our inspection resources while at the same time providing the highest assurances on food safety. In the context of these discussions, which are at a very early stage, I will of course have regard not just to ongoing developments in Australia but also in other countries, so that their experience of measures adopted to achieve best practice will be taken into account.

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