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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 24 Feb 1999

Vol. 501 No. 1

Other Questions. - Clean Livestock Policy.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

38 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the standards which must be met by farmers under the clean livestock policy; the category of cattle which require clipping; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5256/99]

The so-called clean livestock policy is set out in the Abattoirs Act, 1988 (Veterinary Examination) (Amendment) Regulations, 1998. These regulations were introduced in February 1998 and extended the grounds under which a veterinary inspector may declare an animal unfit for slaughter for human consumption to include the condition of the hide, fleece or skin of an animal. The purpose of the regulations is to ensure that the condition of the hide, fleece or skin of the animal is not such as, when slaughtered, to risk contamination of the carcase, thereby creating a risk to public health.

On delivery to a factory animals are categorised into five groups. Depending on the category, cattle may either be accepted, require certain dressing procedures or be rejected for slaughter. Rejected cattle may be re-presented when they are ready for slaughter. There is no requirement for cattle to be clipped.

Colour posters depicting the different categories have been widely distributed for display at meat plants, livestock marts, district veterinary offices, Teagasc advisory centres and local abattoirs. Meat plants should, through their agents, be able to advise farmers on the condition of their animals when they visit farms to select animals for slaughter.

This matter is quite serious.

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