P. J. Sheehan
Ceist:175 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will abolish the pig slaughter levy in view of the extraordinary low price of pigs. [3648/99]
Written Answers - Pig Slaughter Levy.
The veterinary inspection fee levied on pigs at slaughter is provided for under Council Directive 93/118/EC and any adjustment to it must, therefore, be done with EU approval.
I did seek EU permission to adjust the fee in line with the cyclical movement in pig prices. The Commission indicated its unwillingness to provide for this adjustment of the fee on the basis that it would be incompatible with the Council Directive.
This option is not, therefore, legally open to me.