Knackery Industry

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 September 2019

Tuesday, 17 September 2019

Questions (488, 519)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

488. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the additional supports, including funding, he will make available to ensure the viability of the knackery industry in view of the severe financial difficulties being experienced as reported by an organisation (details supplied); if the fallen animal scheme will be reviewed; his views on whether the introduction of limits on transportation distances in 2013 has led to increased rendering costs by plants and less competition; the annual funding under the scheme for the period 2013 to 2019, in tabular form; the annual drawdown in funding; and the number of recipients annually by county. [37314/19]

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

519. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37647/19]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I propose to take Questions Nos. 488 and 519 together.

Discussions have taken place between the Animal Collectors Association and my Department officials on the animal collection service.

Following those intensive discussions, agreement has been reached that enables the collection of fallen animals from the 17th September. Continued animal collection will be contingent on written correspondence from my Department to the ACA on the agreement reached at the meeting. Further discussions between my Department and the ACA are planned to progress issues relating to supports for the animal collection service.