Vol. 558 No. 5
127 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the total tonnage of meat and bonemeal stored in County Carlow; the locations it is stored; if the local authority has been notified of such locations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25067/02]
There are 9,897 tonnes meat and bonemeal (MBM) and 4122 tonnes of bloodmeal stored in Department of Agriculture and Food approved stores in County Carlow. These stores are under the supervision of my Department's veterinary inspectorate and have been approved to store MBM under EC veterinary legislation. Stores are located near Carlow town and Tullow.
At present there is no statutory requirement on my Department to advise local authorities as to the location of MBM stores.
128 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the agreement which exists in relation to the storage of meat and bonemeal and as part of these regulations if it is necessary or permitted to store same for three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25068/02]
There are ten approved rendering plants in Ireland producing meat and bonemeal or MBM. Storage of MBM is also subject to approval by my Department and prior inspection and approval is required in respect of any store used to hold this product. There is no stipulation in relation to the duration of the period during which the MBM may remain in store.
129 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the contracts his Department has with any multinational company in regard to the disposal of meat and bonemeal; if such an agreement exists; the costs per ton to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25069/02]
At present, my Department has arrangements in place with companies from Ireland, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the UK and Germany relating to the disposal of meat and bonemeal stock built up in Ireland in recent years. There are different prices being paid relating to the different types of meat and bonemeal, the volumes involved and the services contracted for. All prices are set on a commercial basis through a tendering system.
As of 2 December 2002, the rendering industry is fully responsible for the disposal of meat and bonemeal generated in Ireland.
