Ned O'Keeffe
Ceist:116 Mr. N. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if, where animals are placed in lairages at weekends for slaughter in meat plants on Mondays, it is a breach of welfare regulations; if there is a danger of cruelty; if he is satisfied that Department officers were present in the lairage when delivery was accepted at one plant (details supplied); and the cost to his Department of salary payments to the veterinary inspectorate for weekends and Sundays. [14523/01]