Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 20 Oct 1999

Vol. 509 No. 5

Written Answers. - Abattoir Licensing.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

104 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development his Department's policy on the licensing of abattoirs; if there has been a change of policy recently which introduces more austere interpretation of existing rules; if there is equitable treatment for small to medium sized abattoir owners who slaughter for the home trade only and do not have enough throughput to obtain an export licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20906/99]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development

(Mr. Walsh): Abattoirs operating on the domestic market with annual throughput levels up to 1,000 livestock units must be licenced under the Abattoirs Act 1988. This figure may be increased to a maximum of 1,500 livestock units for premises being used to slaughter animals on behalf of a number of butchers provided certain conditions are met in relation to hygiene training. Any premises complying with the regulations made under the Act is granted an abattoir licence. New regulations were introduced in February 1998 to fully implement Council Directives 91/497/EEC and 95/23/EC in relation to issues such as bleeding procedures and refrigeration areas. The interpretation and the practical effects of the regulations were discussed with the operators at the time and additional time was given to comply with the new provisions.