Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2008
342 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he is taking to ensure that the welfare of the potentially dioxin contaminated pigs held at present on restricted farms is fully protected; when these pigs will be slaughtered; if this slaughter will take place at a slaughterhouse or on the farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47589/08]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy officials are currently engaged in discussions with producers and the industry with a view to putting in place the necessary framework to deal with issues relating to the slaughter of pigs that have been exposed to, or are suspected of having been exposed to contaminated animal feed. All pigs that are required to be slaughtered will be slaughtered humanely. To date and apart from a small number that were slaughtered for sampling and testing purposes, no pigs have been slaughtered. My officials are keeping the situation under review including the on farm situation and are examining the most appropriate options that are available for slaughter of affected pigs having due regard to their welfare.
