asked the Minister for Agriculture the progress, if any, that has been made since his parliamentary reply to Questions Nos. 304 and 305 on Wednesday, 27 April 1983, regarding the need for increased fines for breaches of the by-laws applicable to abattoirs; if the study of the by-laws submitted by Dublin Corporation has been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Abattoir By-laws.
298.
The by-laws submitted by Dublin Corporation with respect to slaughterhouses were confirmed by me in June 1983. The review of the general situation regarding slaughterhouses for the domestic market, referred to in my reply of 27 April, is still in progress. There is a lot of work involved as the legislation relating to slaughterhouses is complex and antiquated and involves other Departments besides Agriculture. The question of increasing penalties will be considered in the context of the review.