Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 October 2020
410. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the doubts his Department reportedly expressed to the immigrant investor programme evaluation committee over the strategic value of a development (details supplied) as reported in the media; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28024/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra411. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the person or body that authorised communications (details supplied) to the Department of Justice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28025/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 410 and 411 together.
In December 2019, in response to a request from the Department of Justice and Equality (DJE), my Department provided observations on an application under the Immigrant Investment Programme, as referenced by the Deputy.
My Department has a statutory responsibility to approve slaughter plants in accordance with the European Union (Food and Feed Hygiene) Regulations 2020. My Department has not yet received a full application in relation to the project referenced by the Deputy. Until such an application and plans are received, my Department is not in a position to fully assess the proposal.
With regard to any proposed additional processing facilities, I would urge those involved to engage with my Department's veterinary officials at an early stage in order to understand and address the requirements for approval to be registered with the Department and to operate as a meat establishment under EU and Irish law.
