Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 December 2020
488. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will introduce legislation to allow farmers access to meat plant CCTV of their animals in view of the fact that such material is presently made available by meat plants to their customers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42739/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll slaughter plants whose meat is destined for human consumption must meet the requirements set out in detailed EU regulations relating to food safety and animal health and welfare. Installation of CCTV at slaughter establishments is not a mandatory regulatory requirement. Where slaughter establishments do have CCTV in place, access to CCTV footage is a private matter between the farmer and slaugthter plant and my Department has no plans to introduce legislation on the matter.
My Department has a permanent veterinary presence in each of the slaughter plants under its supervision and Department staff carry out regular checks as part of official regulatory controls.
