Vol. 490 No. 6
49 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will review the permit regime as it applies to signing permits for sales of female animals at marts on Saturdays where departmental staff are unable to have verification with the Department offices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10914/98]
The movement permit system for female animals moving to slaughter or to export was introduced in September 1996. The limited arrangement whereby permits could be issued at marts was introduced in respect of animals moving direct to slaughter or export on the evening of the sale only and on the basis that applications could be checked by the technical agricultural officer against the herd files in DVOs. As these offices are not open on Saturdays, such essential checks cannot be carried out.
I am currently reviewing the operation of the system in the light of developments since its introduction.
