Vol. 440 No. 4
230 Mr. Davern asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry when the Abattoir Act will be implemented in every county; the number of counties to date that have implemented the Act; his views on whether there is fair competition between the different counties in the present; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
My Department has full responsibility for the annual licensing and supervision of abattoirs. Regulations governing construction and licensing are being implemented uniformly throughout the country since 1989.
Local authorities are responsible for the day to day operations at abattoirs. Regulations introduced in 1992 require veterinary examination of animals and meat and the health marking of meat found fit for human consumption by veterinary inspectors appointed for this purpose by local authorities.
I am aware that ten local authorities do not have whole-time veterinary inspectors. The matter is presently under review in my Department.
