asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will initiate legislation to up-date the Slaughter of Animals Act, 1935.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Slaughter of Animals Act.
24.
The Slaughter of Animals Act, 1935 is only one of a number of enactments bearing on the control of slaughtering premises, the inspection of animals and the examination of meat and meat products for sale on the home market. An examination of the whole position is to be undertaken in collaboration with the Department of Health but as the existing legislation is very complex it is not possible at this stage to say what the outcome may be.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary agree that current legislation is very much out-of-date in relation to European legislation? Will he also agree that the 1935 Act would affect the quality of meat available to the consumer here, and even from that point of view would he, as a matter of urgency up-date the legislation?
I am satisfied that the present Act is inadequate, and appropriate steps are being taken for its amendment by the Departments of Agriculture and Fisheries and Health. It is a complex matter, but Deputy Lemass can be assured that it is getting active attention.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary indicate when we might see the proposed amending legislation?
I am sorry, I cannot give an indication.
The House was promised that a large number of Bills would be circulated during the recess. We have seen only one.