Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 29 Mar 2001

Vol. 533 No. 5

Written Answers. - Local Abbatoirs.

John Bruton

Question:

33 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he has received a submission from the associated craft butchers of Ireland in regard to the guaranteeing of quality meat of local origin by allowing the continuance of local abattoirs; and the action he proposes to take in this regard. [9124/01]

Willie Penrose

Question:

59 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he has received a detailed submission, Food for the Future, from the association of craft butchers of Ireland; if he will consider the suggestions made therein for the establishment of a task force to help co-ordinate the local abattoirs future viability and assist them in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9278/01]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 59 together.

I received the submission to which the Deputy refers and it is 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. Once licensed by my Department, the operation of day-to-day controls is a matter for the relevant local authority under the overall control of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. 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 the absolute primacy of consumer protection, my Department cannot provide licenses to those premises which are not prepared to achieve the minimum standard required.

For the purposes 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. The Department participated in a number of meetings last year with the associated craft butchers of Ireland during which these possibilities were discussed. The association was invited to submit proposals for financial assistance in line with these criteria, but no proposals were received.