Animal Carcase Disposal

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 September 2019

Thursday, 19 September 2019

Ceisteanna (182, 183, 184, 185)

Pat the Cope Gallagher

Ceist:

182. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the interim measures taken to mitigate the issue of unburied animal carcasses that have been left on farms as a result of the ongoing knackery operators dispute in County Donegal; if he has considered relaxing the restrictions on farmers to carry out burials of such carcasses on a controlled basis on their own farms until normal services resume by the operators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38179/19]

Peter Burke

Ceist:

183. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he will restart negotiations with an association (details supplied). [38197/19]

Kevin O'Keeffe

Ceist:

184. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there are alternative actions the owners of fallen animals may take; and if so, the details of same. [38204/19]

Kevin O'Keeffe

Ceist:

185. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the protest by an association (details supplied); and if his Department will provide funding to offset the anomaly of disposable costs for different aged fallen animals. [38205/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I propose to take Questions Nos. 182 to 185, inclusive, together.

Discussions have taken place between the Animal Collectors Association and my Department officials on the fallen animal collection service. Following those intensive discussions, agreement has been reached that enables the collection of fallen animals to resume from the 17th September. My Department has also issued correspondence to ACA confirming the agreement reached at the meeting. Further discussions between my Department and the ACA are planned to progress issues relating to supports for the animal collection service.