Billy Timmins
Ceist:137 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the amount of meat and bonemeal generated each week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25455/03]
Written Answers. - Animal Feedstuffs.
Kathleen Lynch
Ceist:144 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the amount of meat and bonemeal waste currently awaiting disposal; the estimated cost of disposing of this waste; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25581/03]
Billy Timmins
Ceist:166 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the plans he has to dispose of the meat and bonemeal currently in storage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25454/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 137, 144 and 166 together.
During the period 1 January to 31 August 2003, it is estimated that 90,123 tonnes of meat and bone meal, MBM, were produced in Ireland. This represents an average weekly production of 2,575 tonnes. A quantity of approximately 210,000 tonnes of MBM is in storage in Ireland. Of this, 172,000 tonnes is under the responsibility of my Department and is stored in 34 locations throughout the country. The remainder, which is owned by rendering companies, is also held in approved stores.
My Department has launched an EU-wide tender competition with a view to placing contracts for the disposal of the 172,000 tonnes of MBM. The closing date for the tender is 28 November. It is not possible at this time to prejudge what the cost of disposal of this tonnage will be. However, my Department is making every effort to ensure that the disposal operation will be conducted safely and efficiently and that value for money is delivered for the Exchequer. I have established an interdepartmental agency committee to examine options for the future disposal of MBM and its report will soon be put before the Government. Ongoing disposal of commercial MBM, including SRM, is undertaken by renderers on prevailing market conditions.