Vol. 409 No. 6
97 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food whether Department regulations require that each carcase passing a meat factory or abattoir must be inspected by a Department veterinary inspector for the presence of drugs or other substance; if not, if he will outline what the regulations specify as regards numbers to be inspected; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
In accordance with EC Directive 86/469 my Department draw up a national plan each year for random sampling of live animals and meats at the levels set out in the directive. The plan includes testing for residues of hormones, antibiotics, beta-agonists and other substances as set out in the directive.
The national plan for random sampling is complemented by extensive sampling on suspicion.
98 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the fact that while the requirements regarding inspection of carcases passing through some of our meat factories are being met technically they are not being carried out on a regular systematic basis thereby allowing batches through without any inspection; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Each animal presented for slaughter at meat factories is subject to an individual veterinary examination before and after slaughter.
