Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 22 May 2001

Vol. 536 No. 5

Written Answers. - Animal By-Products.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

162 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the reason he is not implementing the EU regulations on the disposal, processing and placing on the market of animal by-products in relation to a company (details supplied) in County Carlow; if, arising from the correspondence already sent by his Department some time ago regarding a breach of these regulations, he will now take legal action; the action taken to date by his Department, in conjunction with Carlow County Council, on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14976/01]

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

The EU regulations governing the disposal, processing or placing on the market of animal by-products are strictly enforced by my Department in the premises referred to. An issue arose in relation to the handling of blood from slaughtered animals following which my Department directed an immediate end to the practice of spreading it on land. Controls are in place at the plant to ensure this is the case and that the blood is handled in accordance with the relevant legislation. Failure to adhere to the terms of the legislation and of the licence governing the activities carried out at the plant, including the disposal of blood products, will be dealt with in accordance with the provisions contained in that legislation.

Question No. 163 answered with Question No. 161.