Vol. 477 No. 5
325 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will give details of the pre-inspection system for cattle going to slaughter in counties Louth, Cavan, Monaghan and Longford in view of the BSE crisis. [9906/97]
All animals going for slaughter at all plants under the control of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry are subjected to ante and post-mortem inspections by an official veterinarian. In addition the identity card and ear tag number of each animal is checked and verified before slaughter is permitted.
The inspection and certification of animals slaughtered at other plants is the responsibility of local authorities under the Abattoirs Act, 1988. I have taken steps in recent months to ensure that local authorities fully discharge their responsibilities in this regard.
