Vol. 527 No. 3
51 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when he will introduce the new plan to deal with the removal of fallen animals; the way in which it is to be financed; the role local authorities will play in the implementation of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28430/00]
It is my intention to introduce a State subsidised fallen animal collection and disposal scheme to come into effect from January 2001. The scheme will involve the use of the existing fallen animal collection system to maximise the numbers of fallen animals being collected around the country. The animals will then be transported to a dedicated rendering plant where they will be processed and the resultant material exported for incineration.
The financing of the scheme will involve the payment of a reasonable fee by farmers for the collection of their fallen animals and will respect the principle of the "polluter pays". However, in view of the need to ensure that the material is taken for processing without undue delay and the expense of disposing of the processed material abroad, it will involve some level of State expense.
There is no actual role for the local authorities in this scheme which will involve the use of the existing fallen animal collection system which is licensed and supervised by my Department and an approved rendering plant which has a permanent departmental presence. I am, however, aware of the support of local authorities for such a scheme and I am sure that they will be able to assist in the monitoring of the administration of the scheme.
