Vol. 559 No. 2
127 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has satisfied himself that the use of meat and bonemeal in animal feed stuffs has been discontinued entirely; if there have been breaches of this regulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26134/02]
I have no evidence that meat and bonemeal is being used in animal feed in Ireland. I am satisfied that the prohibition of the use of meat and bonemeal as an animal feed or as a component in compound animal feeds is being rigorously enforced.
From time to time evidence of cross-contamination is found under a rigorous monitoring regime. Appropriate actions are taken in such cases.
I am satisfied that the controls on animal feed that are operated by my Department fulfil all the obligations under the EU regulations on animal feeds and in certain areas go beyond what is required. The EU controls in this area are continually monitored and reviewed by the European Commission and have been intensified on a number of occasions. The controls in operation here cover both home produced and imported feed from the EU and third countries.
