Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 12 Apr 1994

Vol. 441 No. 1

Written Answers. - Veterinary Inspector Appointments.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

167 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the progress in implementing the provisions of the Abattoirs Act, 1988 and the Abattoirs Act (Veterinary Examination) Regulations, 1992; in particular if he will identify those local authorities which have not appointed a full-time veterinary inspector, and in each case the reason therefor; those local authorities which are fully complying with EU requirements, including stamping of carcasses in line with EU regulations; where appropriate, the reason compliance is not being achieved; and if he will make a statement on the steps, if any, he is taking within his Department and with local authorities to ensure that meat being slaughtered for domestic consumption is inspected to the same standard as that for export.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. J. Walsh)

The appointment of veterinary inspectors under the Abattoirs Act, 1988 is a matter for the local authorities. The following local authorities have no full time veterinary inspector:— Cavan, Kilkenny, Laois, Leitrim, Longford, Louth, Monaghan, Roscommon, Sligo, Tipperary NR.

Regulations governing—

(a) the construction, operation and licensing of abattoirs,

(b) the veterinary examination of animals and meat and,

(c) the health marking of meat found fit for human consumption,

have been introduced under the Act.

The regulations at (a) are being implemented uniformly throughout the country. I am aware of problems caused by the uneven compliance with the provisions relating to (b) and (c) above and the matter is under review in my Department.

Part III of the Abattoirs Act, 1988 makes provision for the control and licensing of knackeries. That part of the Act has not been commenced but is expected to be introduced later this year as part of comprehensive regulations in relation to all aspects of the disposal of animal waste.