Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 1 May 2001

Vol. 535 No. 1

Written Answers - Food Industry.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

197 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he has received a submission from the Associated Craft Butchers of Ireland entitled Food for the Future; if so, if the proposals therein have been examined by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11350/01]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

I have received the submission, Food for the Future, to which the Deputy refers and it is currently being examined in my Department.

The situation with regard to abattoirs generally is that, under EU regulations, those slaughtering more than 1,000 livestock units per annum must comply with the requirements of the European Communities (Fresh Meat) Regulations, 1997. Smaller abattoirs with a throughput of less than 1,000 livestock units per annum are licensed by my Department under the Abattoirs Act, 1988. They are derogated from certain structural provisions of the EU directives. They are, however, required to achieve a range of standards regarding hygiene, animal welfare and the environment. Once licensed by my Department, the operation of day-to-day controls is a matter for the relevant local authority under the overall control of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland.

I acknowledge the important role played by domestic abattoirs within the wider food sector and this has been reflected in the approach taken by my Department to establishments that have demonstrated a willingness to comply with the regulations. However, given that consumer protection must be our absolute priority, my Department has no option but to refuse to license those premises which are not prepared to achieve the minimum standard required.

The submission deals with a request for financial aid. Financial aid for abattoirs falls within the ambit of the processing and marketing provisions of the EU guidelines for state aid in the agricultural sector. One such provision stipulates that aid may only be granted to enterprises that comply with existing minimum standards regarding hygiene, animal welfare and the environment. Therefore, while it is not possible, nor would it be appropriate, to provide funding to achieve minimum hygiene standards, possibilities do exist for financial aid in circumstances which involve rationalisation, research and development, human resources training and so on. In a series of meetings between my Department and the association representing small abattoirs, the criteria which would apply to such financial aid were outlined and the association was invited to submit proposals.