The numbers of horses slaughtered for human consumption at approved equine slaughter establishments during the years in question were as follows:
YEAR
|
NO. OF HORSES SLAUGHTERED
|
2012
|
24,362
|
2013
|
10,711
|
2014
|
7,602
|
2015 (to 31st May)
|
2,234
|
An agreement between Ireland, the UK and France allows for free movement of horses between these countries. My Department does not maintain a record of horses exported for slaughter, but it is considered that the number of such horses is negligible; and in the years in question no horses were exported directly for slaughter abroad under my Department’s certification.
The Deputy will be aware that following the Equine DNA investigation in 2013, greater emphasis is being placed on detection of food fraud and improved consumer protection across the EU.
A range of subsequent actions taken at both national and EU level include a programme of DNA testing of beef products and testing of horse meat for the presence of phenylbutazone (‘bute’). Controls relating to horse identification have also been strengthened.
In addition my Department has taken responsibility for the supervision of all horse abattoirs in Ireland; and a register of meat traders has been created to improve our oversight in this area.