Vol. 536 No. 3
75 Mr. J. Brady asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the position on the national scheme for the collection of fallen animals, which is relevant for the protection of the environment, animal health and food safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14046/01]
The first phase of the fallen animal collection scheme was put in place by my Department on 1 December 2000 when the gate fee was removed for ruminant fallen animal material delivered to a dedicated SRM rendering plant and the State undertook the full cost of rendering and destruction of the final product. This has proven to be very successful with large quantities of fallen animal material being delivered to the dedicated rendering plant. In addition, a second plant based in Galway was approved in late March to take and process fallen animals and will contribute to the efficiency of the collection service.
The second phase of the scheme involving a subsidised collection charge at farm level is currently under negotiation. The aim of this phase of the scheme is to further increase the number of animals being collected and to reduce the number of licensed burials. I am hopeful that this element of the scheme can be implemented at an early stage.
