I thank the Cathaoirleach for allowing me to raise this issue. I raised it previously in May 1995 when the scheme was not operating fully throughout the country and the Minister of State, Deputy Deenihan, responded.
I pointed out to the Minister of State that the scheme was costing the family butcher a great deal of money. Butchers in South Tipperary had carried out many expensive renovations to their premises and had purchased new equipment. As a result they were at a disadvantage because butchers in adjoining counties were not operating the scheme. Their expenses were low so they could sell meat more cheaply. The Minister of State graciously met a deputation from South Tipperary County Council last year in connection with this matter. The issue is now more serious. It is important that the scheme be implemented in full in every county in the interest of reassuring the public that our meat is of the highest standard and that inspections are carried out regularly in a proper manner.
The veterinary surgeons of Ireland held a conference recently. They pointed out that this Act was only being operated by a few counties, with some partly operating it. South Tipperary is the only county in the south which is operating the Act fully, at enormous expense. The veterinary profession expressed alarm that this situation should be allowed continue for so long. The bottom line is the cost of implementing it. Successive Governments, and my own party, were involved in introducing this Bill. They also introduced many regulations but local authorities must carry the can. Given the shortage of funds in local authorities, it is impossible to continue in this vein. It is important that where food, and particularly meat, is concerned, there should be no penny pinching.
Last year in South Tipperary there was a shortfall of £129,000 in the implementation of this scheme. We have a permanent and full time county veterinary officer, two full-time temporary vets and one part-time veterinary surgeon who are doing an excellent job. The members of South Tipperary County Council expressed concern that while they were implementing the law other counties were not. I heard recently that the Minister may be giving some funding to local authorities. I hope it is sufficient to fund the scheme because much has happened since last May when I raised this issue. It is urgent that the Act should operate nationally without any hiccups. Credit is due to the family butchers in the counties, including South Tipperary, operating the scheme, who have done so at enormous expense. The local authorities have carried the can in the last number of years. I hope the Minister has good news and will allocate sufficient funds.
A deputation met the Minister of State, Deputy Deenihan, and I understand that matters are in disarray. County managers are not challenged on why they are not implementing the scheme. I hope we will no longer have a lopsided implementation of the scheme. It is not only unfair to the counties but to those who purchase meat. Given the irregularities that have taken place, every county must implement the Act. We hope the Minister will make funding available to enable the Act to be implemented. It is alright to say the county manager is obliged to implement it but surely the Minister and his officials should see to it that this is done and that there is no more shilly-shallying. We must restore the confidence of consumers which has been undermined in recent months, particularly by certain sections of the media. That is the reason I raised this matter. I wait with great hope for the Minister's good news. I hope the funding given will be sufficient to cover the cost to local authorities.