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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 24 May 2001

Vol. 537 No. 1

Written Answers. - Foot and Mouth Disease.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

110 Mr. N. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will investigate the serious breach of the permit system as set out (details supplied); and if he will further investigate the actions of a senior veterinary officer (details supplied). [15511/01]

I am aware that livestock can be delivered to meat plants at times when Department officers are not in attendance, that is during night hours. Slaughter plants are legally required to ensure that the animals which they accept at their plants are identified in such a manner that allows the veterinary inspector at the meat plant, who undertakes the ante mortem inspection, to determine their origin. This legal requirement applies irrespective of the time of delivery of the livestock.

Official attendance by departmental inspection officers is required before slaughter commences to allow for examination of the required documentation and for ante and post mortem examination. Under the existing foot and mouth disease permit requirements all livestock must be accompanied by permit documentation at the time of arrival at the slaughter plant.

As for the specific allegations made by the Deputy, I am making inquiries into the matter. If the Deputy has any further information in relation to this matter or if he can indicate the source of his information, I suggest that he might provide this information in writing to my Department.

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