Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 June 2024
276. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason his Department has no jurisdiction over the holding area of horses to be slaughtered by an abattoir (details supplied); when he intends to acquire same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26286/24]
View answerThe footage broadcast on the ‘RTÉ Investigates’ show that aired on Wednesday and Thursday 12 and 13 June 2024 was extremely upsetting, and I share the reaction of viewers who were appalled by such a blatant disregard for the welfare of horses and suspected criminality.
You will be aware, as has been reported in the media that there is an active investigation taking place led by the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine and An Garda Síochána and while it is vitally important that I ensure that process continues without prejudice, I am stating categorically that the full rigour of the law will be applied, and no stone left unturned.
The Certificate of Approval issued by my Department to the abattoir in question under the European Communities (Food and Feed Hygiene) Regulations 2020 (SI No 22 of 2020) covers the area of the boundary of the slaughter plant.
The building identified in the Prime Time programme was on a holding adjacent to the approved slaughter plant and does not form part of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine approved slaughter plant. It is not the lairage of the plant and is not subject to direct veterinary supervision under the relevant food and feed hygiene Regulations which govern the operation of slaughter plants.
A person may not have an equine in his/her possession or under his/her control unless the details of his/her premises are registered. This adjacent holding (premises and associated lands) is separately and independently registered as a holding where horses are kept. Department officers authorised under the Animal Health and Welfare Act have the authority to enter and inspect all premises across the State where animals are kept.
The operation of the plant is now fully suspended. The equine holding linked to the slaughter plant is subject to legal notice prohibiting the movement of equines into or out of those premises unless prior approval of the Department is granted.
