asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he intends to introduce a proteins processing order in the near future to govern the operation of by-products processing plants.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Proteins Processing Order.
9.
I expect to be in a position to bring the Abattoirs Act, 1988, fully into operation by the middle of next year and I intend, at that stage, to make an order providing for controls on the processing of animal by-products. Additionally, a draft order under the Disease of Animals Act, 1966, is being prepared and is at present being discussed within the Department by relevant divisions and the veterinary inspectorate. The order will provide for controls on the transportation of animal by-products, the annual licensing board plans based on construction and equipment requirements to ensure high standards of operation from an animal health point of view, restrictions on movement, feeding and storage of animal by-products and the prohibition on the spreading of blood on land. The target date is mid-1989 when I expect the Order to be enforced.
In view of the commitment of the Government and all sides of the House to eradicate TB and associated animal diseases, will the Minister agree that the introduction of such an order will be a big step forward in total control so that we will not have the type of anomalies that existed in the past? There were practices in operation which undermined the disease eradication programme.
Every effort is being made to have the relevant regulations in place as soon as possible.