Written Answers. - Abattoirs and Traceability.
Paul Connaughton
Question:
146
Mr. Connaughton
asked the
Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development
if he has received a submission from the Associated Craft Butchers of Ireland entitled "Food for the Future"; his views on the proposals contained therein, particularly the proposal not to close any more small abattoirs; his views on whether there should be financial aid to bring slaughter houses up to required standard; his further view on whether local traceability is an important step, both for the producer and consumer at local level; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[8905/01]
Paul McGrath
Question:
152
Mr. McGrath
asked the
Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development
the grant aid available to butchers to upgrade small abattoirs for their own use or for a low volume of slaughtering; his views on whether the traceability of meat by the consumer can be best achieved through the local butcher; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[8911/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 146 and 152 together.
I received the submission to which the Deputy refers and it is currently being examined within my Department.
The situation generally with regard to abattoirs is that, under EU regulations, those slaughtering more than 1,000 livestock units per annum must comply with the requirements of the European Communities (Fresh Meat) Regulations 1997. Small abattoirs with a throughput of less than 1,000 livestock units per annum are derogated from certain requirements of these regulations provided they are licensed and operated in accordance with the requirements of the Abattoirs Act, 1988. These small abattoirs are, however, required to achieve minimum standards regarding hygiene, animal welfare and the environment.
I fully acknowledge the important role played by domestic abattoirs within the wider food sector and this has been reflected in the approach taken by my Department to establishments that have demonstrated a willingness to comply with the regulations. However, given that consumer protection must be our absolute priority, my Department has no option but to refuse to license those premises which are not prepared to achieve the minimum standard required.
On the question of financial aid, abattoirs fall within the ambit of the processing and marketing provisions of the EU guidelines for State aid in the agricultural sector. One such provision stipulates that aid may only be granted to enterprises that comply with existing minimum standards. Therefore, while it is not possible nor would it be appropriate to provide funding to achieve minimum hygiene standards, possibilities do exist for financial aid in circumstances which involve rationalisation, research and development, human resources, training and so on and the ACBI was invited to submit proposals for financial assistance in line with these criteria.
Traceability is a vital factor in maintaining consumer confidence in the safety of our meat. With regard to beef and beef products, I am satisfied that excellent traceability is achieved through my Department's CMMS database which ensures that only animals whose origin and identification can be clearly vouched for are allowed into the food chain. Furthermore, EU regulations on compulsory labelling of beef at all stages of production and marketing up to the final point of sale were introduced last September. These measures offer consumers both here and abroad traceability guarantees regarding Irish beef.
It has been my policy to extend the traceability system to include the sheep sector. While there has been reluctance within the sector to this, recent events have highlighted the need for it and it is my intention to have a system in place in the very near future.
