John Ellis
Question:123 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the period he proposes to allow livestock dealers to comply with S.I. No. 79 of 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20442/01]
Written Answers. - Dealers Register.
The majority of dealers are already registered with district veterinary offices of my Department, albeit not under S.I. No. 79 of 2001. Applications for registration and approval of dealers and dealers' premises under the aforementioned S.I. must be submitted by 24 July 2001. As it will take some time to effect the registration and approval process an order is being made, to extend until 31 October, the period specified under Regulation 6 (9) of S.I. No. 79 during which dealers already registered with DVOs may continue to operate.
In addition, it is possible that not all dealers' premises will comply fully with the legislative requirements at the outset. In the circumstances DVOs have been instructed that they may register the dealer and allow up to six months to reach compliance with the new regulations by attaching conditions to the grant of approval depending on the extent of additional works necessary. Each case will be decided on its merits taking into account the standard of existing facilities and the dealer's past record in compliance with regulatory requirements.