Rory O'Hanlon
Ceist:134 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the plans, if any, he has for a licensed small abattoir and for the disposal of specified risk material. [19522/97]
Written Answers. - Abattoir Licensing.
The licensing of small abattoirs is subject to their meeting the conditions set out in the Abattoirs Act, 1988 (Abattoirs) Regulations, 1989. An amending regulation is shortly to be introduced to fully implement Council Directives 91/497/EEC and 95/23/EEC, the draft of which has been sent to the small abattoir group for its views.
In relation to specified risk material, it is the responsibility of each abattoir operator to dispose of this material in accordance with the Diseases of Animals (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy) (Specified Risk Material) Order, 1997.