Vol. 567 No. 3
66 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the reduction in funding available for temporary veterinary inspectors at meat factories is having an impact on supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13913/03]
The reduction in shift allocations to temporary veterinary inspectors, TVIs, involved in the operation of the meat inspection service has not affected slaughtering throughput or supply this year. In fact total cattle slaughtering so far this year is 6% higher relative to the same period last year and sheep slaughtering is 48% higher than last year.
In accordance with the budget allocation for the year, my Department has allocated TVI shifts for each meat plant for 2003. A degree of flexibility has been allowed in the allocations for the first and second quarters to enable meat plants to meet their commercial commitments, on the clear understanding that the overall annual allocation must be respected. The onus is on meat factory operators to plan their activities to maximise the efficient use of the resources available.
