Fergus O'Dowd
Question:6 Mr. O'Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has met with the veterinary service to discuss the cutbacks in inspections at the meat factories; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13937/03]
Other Questions. - Veterinary Inspections Service.
The Department of Agriculture and Food met Veterinary Ireland, the body that represents temporary veterinary inspectors in the meat inspection service, on 20 December 2002 to discuss TVI shifts in the context of budgetary allocations for 2003. Several issues were discussed, including the need to make the most efficient use of the resources allocated under the Estimates for that purpose, while ensuring that appropriate standards of public health, food safety and animal welfare are met. My Department has also held a series of meetings with the Irish Meat Association and IBEC, which represents the meat processing industry, to discuss the practicalities of implementing efficiencies in the meat inspection service this year and consider how best to provide a more efficient and cost-effective service in future.
There has been no disruption of meat processing activity this year as a result of reduced shift allocations. However, the allocations have led to a greater focus at industry level on the service being provided and on identifying ways and means of ensuring continuity of service while improving efficiency, broadening flexibility and delivering value for money. In the context of those discussions, I have already allowed meat plants some flexibility in the use of those resources to enable them to meet their commercial commitments, on the clear understanding that the overall budget for the year must be respected.
There is concern among many of those involved in the meat industry. Much may be rumour, but I would like the Minister to clear up the facts. Is his Department happy with the amount of meat coming in from third countries? I recently heard of a meat processor who was killing 400 animals weekly and is now down to about 60 because of other suppliers. That may be a rumour, but it certainly needs to be addressed and clarified by the Minister.
My colleague, the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Deputy Treacy, will be answering that question on beef imports to Ireland comprehensively. I believe that it is question No. 9.
I consider the cost of meat inspection to be extremely high – prohibitively so. I want to have a root and branch examination of inspection with a view to reducing costs while maintaining our high animal health status and ensuring that we have the most rigorous food safety regime in place. Many sectors of the food industry are now self-regulating. Thankfully, many of them have ISO standards, with inspection provided by the relevant control Department. I would like to see much more of that type of supervision regarding inspection facilities. Over the next few months I hope to bring about a streamlining of the whole meat inspection service.
I have two simple questions for the Minister. How does he propose to deal with the issue? He stated that he was having discussions with the veterinary unions, but what would he like to see as their outcome? Is the current difficulty having an impact on output?
There has been no impact on output hitherto, but we must find a resolution. As I said, we have an expensive system and need to have it streamlined. I am talking to the various representative bodies and considering a range of suggestions about how the service might be improved. My Department will shortly initiate discussions with all interested parties with a view to setting in motion a process that will lead to ensuring that the service can reach higher levels of efficiency, provide a greater degree of flexibility and make maximum use of resources while delivering better value for money. In any new arrangement I will ensure that the quality and safety of meat products will continue to be the main priority.