Vol. 501 No. 1
51 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will introduce urgent measures to assist farmers in the disposal of carcasses of livestock which have perished as a result of the current fodder crisis. [5318/99]
The disposal of animal carcases has implications for animal health, public health and the environment and is thus regulated by a range of legislation in these areas. The responsibility for the disposal of animals which die on farms is primarily a matter for the herdowner in question.
Knackeries, which provide a carcase collection service from farms are licensed in accordance with the European Communities (Knackery) Regulations 1996. The service is provided on a commercial basis and the manner in which the collected animal is disposed of is strictly regulated. Arising out of BSE related controls introduced in 1997, the specified risk material element of collected carcases must be removed and sent for destruction to the designated SRM processing plant. The charge to knackeries for disposal of this material is set at a level which is substantially below the commercial cost involved.
It is not my intention to subsidise the service provided by knackeries in relation to the collection of fallen animals. I have, as the Deputy is aware, chosen to address the fodder difficulties being experienced by farmers this year by means of two schemes involving a total allocation of £41 million.
