Denis Naughten
Question:126 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the action he intends to take to address an issue further to correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15118/03]
Written Answers. - Departmental Correspondence.
The allocation of temporary veterinary inspector resources at meat plants for 2003 has been set in accordance with the budgetary allocation for this service. No additional funding is available and no excesses will be allowed for the year as a whole.
I have, however, taken into consideration the fact that meat plants can be affected by seasonal pressures and have therefore allowed flexibility in the operation of shifts in the first and second quarters of the year to enable them to meet their commercial commitments. I must point out that this arrangement was agreed on the very clear understanding that extra shifts used must be balanced by savings in later quarters to stay within the budgetary requirement. Further concessions on an individual plant basis cannot be entertained.
My Department has initiated a review of the meat inspection service with the aim of delivering a more cost efficient and effective service which takes account of the present day requirements of the meat processing industry while maintaining the highest levels of food safety and animal welfare. Discussions are taking place with all interested parties with a view to implementing new arrangements that will improve efficiency, broaden flexibility and deliver better value for money.