Vol. 550 No. 4
227 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development his Department's role in monitoring the introduc tion, day to day operation, supervision and calibration of the Hennessy Probe at pig slaughter plants. [8839/02]
229 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the various EU directives, related Irish legislation and statutory instruments relating to the introduction, supervision and operation of the Hennessy Probe grading system at pig slaughter plants. [8841/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 227 and 229 together.
Commission Decision 87/293/EEC, as amended, authorizes the methods of grading pig carcases in Ireland. These methods are the Hennessy Grading Probe, HGP2, and the Fat-O-Meater, FOM. The European Communities (Pig Carcase (Grading)) Regulations, 1988 to 2001 is the national legislation corresponding to this decision. In addition to the foregoing legislation, which is specific to Ireland, Council Regulation 3220/84 and Commission Regulation 2967/85 as amended in both cases set out the general framework for pig grading in the EU.
The introduction of the HGP2 as a method in Ireland, and the formula for calculating the lean meat content included in the method, follow on an application by my Department to the EU Commission for its approval. This application and the evaluation of its acceptability are based on trials conducted here by Teagasc. Calibration of equipment is carried out at the manufacturer's premises and cannot be tampered with thereafter. Some in situ training of operatives by my Department has taken place.
Responsibility for the correct operation of the HGP2 and other aspects of the grading legislation is a matter for the management of pig slaughter plants. The grading arrangements in place at plant level are subject to occasional checks by my Department. The provisions of the legislation have been communicated to plant managers.
