asked the Minister for Health whether he is aware that portions of carcases of cattle sent to knackers for disposal are being sold for human consumption; and, if so, whether he proposes to take steps to protect the public against the obvious dangers inherent in the sale of contaminated meat.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sale of Contaminated Meat.
I am not aware that portions of carcases of cattle sent to knackers for disposal are being sold for human consumption. For the purpose of taking appropriate steps under the Food Hygiene Regulations, 1950, for the prevention of the sale of contaminated meat to the public, I would welcome any information which the Deputy may be in a position to furnish in regard to this matter.
Could the Minister say whether premises occupied by knackers are subject to licensing regulations and periodical inspection and, if so, by whom is the inspection carried out?
I could not answer that question without notice.
I take it the Minister realises the seriousness of the implications involved in this question? I assure the Minister that, with the prices of meat at their present levels, there is considerable temptation to salvage considerable portions of these carcases and sell them for human consumption. Will the Minister take such steps as are open to him to direct the attention of his veterinary inspectors or the officials of local authorities to the necessity for supervising knackers' premises, so as to ensure that no contaminated meat is sold to the public, and will he also make it clear that anybody caught trading in the sale of this potentially contaminated meat will have the full rigour of the law enforced against him?
When did you learn that speech?
The Deputy may rest assured that I will use any powers I have.
It may be a joke for the Minister for Finance, but it is no joke for the people to whom this bad meat is sold. Will the Minister probe the matter further? I assure him there are grounds for the question.
Certainly. If the Deputy can give me any information, I will do so.
I shall be happy to do that.