Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 June 2024
277. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he can guarantee the safety, security, efficiency and effectiveness of the horse passport system given what was exposed on RTÉ; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26287/24]
View answerThe footage broadcast on RTÉ Investigates 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.
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.
My Department takes the protection of the food chain extremely seriously and as a result has taken swift action on foot of the RTE documentary. On the 14th of June I issued a notice to the slaughter plant concerned revoking their approval for the slaughter of equines. The revocation of the food business approval means that the plant can not operate as an equine slaughter food business. Furthermore, my Department has placed restrictions on two equine holdings linked to the slaughter plant prohibiting the movement of equines into or out of those premises without the prior approval of my Department.
Checks on the passport are just one element of a number of controls at the slaughter plant in question. Other controls include a full time veterinary presence in the plant on the days on which slaughter takes place, the carrying out of ante mortem and post mortem inspections by veterinary practitioners and identity checks involving checks on documentation and on the central database, carried out in accordance with the legal obligations.
The activities shown and reported on the Prime Time show what would appear to be illegal activities which impact on the traceability system. My Department has already commenced an investigation into these matters with the support of An Garda Siochana and the full force of the law will be brought to bear to ensure that there are appropriate consequences for those responsible.
