Vol. 530 No. 5
93 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the number of animals slaughtered to date in the recent bovine destruction scheme; the number of these animals which have tested BSE positive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4345/01]
Up to 9 February 2001, 60,282 cattle were slaughtered under the purchase for destruction, PFD, scheme in Ireland. Under the conditions for the PFD scheme set out in Commission Regulation 2777/2000, such animals do not undergo a test for BSE prior to slaughter.
94 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the number of meat processing plants currently slaughtering under the bovine destruction scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4346/01]
Slaughtering of animals under the purchase for destruction, PFD, scheme established by Commission Regulation 2777/2000 is currently taking place in 20 meat processing plants.
95 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the total number of animals slaughtered here excluding animals slaughtered under the bovine destruction scheme since its inception; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4347/01]
The number of cattle slaughtered for commercial markets since the inception of the purchase for destruction scheme is 92,390. Cattle slaughterings for commercial markets have been taking place at reduced levels in the light of the BSE related difficulties. I am anxious to ensure that the maximum use is made of commercial outlets and I am strongly supportive of EU initiatives that will restore consumer confidence and bring a speedy return to commercial normality.
96 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the number of locations at which offal arising from the bovine destruction scheme is stored throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4348/01]
Specified risk material from the purchase for destruction scheme is currently being stored at four locations in the State prior to rendering at a designated rendering plant.
