Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 June 2024
271. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will publish all inspection reports undertaken by his Department; if he will publish the criteria by which a welfare officer is appointed and monitored in their role; if the officer at this company reached and maintained such criteria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26281/24]
View answerMy Department has, with assistance from An Garda Síochána, initiated a comprehensive investigation into the incidents at the premises mentioned and associated premises. This investigation is active and ongoing and it would not be appropriate to comment further on the matter at this time.
My Department is notified of the appointment of Animal Welfare Officers (AWOs) by the Food Business Operators (FBOs). All AWOs are required to hold certificates of competence in all operations that they are responsible for supervising.
The procedures are set out in accordance with EU legislation, the details of which are published in Trader Notices TN 45/2014 and TN 16/2019 which are attached for the Deputy’s information.
The procedure to obtain a Certificate of Competence for an AWO is as follows:
• AWO applicant completes an Application Form including a Declaration that they have no previous convictions for animal welfare infringements.
• AWO applicant must have completed an AWO training course either provided by Teagasc, Bristol University or another equivalent course.
• AWO applicant must have sat and passed the official Teagasc AWO welfare examination.
• Evidence of these is presented to the DAFM Veterinary Inspector (VI) who recommends the issue a Certificate of Competence to the AWO applicant, as appropriate.
• DAFM issues a Certificate of Competence to the AWO applicant.
The AWOs activities are continuously monitored by DAFM staff in the plant as part of regular audits of the FBO’s Animal Welfare Standard Operating Procedures. It is recorded at least twice a year on the Animal Welfare Audit form.
My Department takes the matter of equine welfare most seriously. The welfare of equines is protected by legislation and appropriate enforcement action where breaches or shortcomings are identified. Any reports of welfare issues received by DAFM, including breaches of the animal welfare legislation, are acted upon and investigated.
