Written Answers Nos. 264-278
264. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current timeline for the processing of applications for tree felling; the measures being implemented to shorten that time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26164/24]
View answerMy Department is steadily reducing the time-lines for processing all felling applications and has improved the timelines.
In terms of turnaround time for those felling applications approved in 2024, the time periods for approvals were nine months for those applications screened out for appropriate assessment, and 10 months for screened-in applications.
Over the last three years my Department has invested significantly in additional resources to address the increased complexity of licensing applications which has resulted from more stringent environmental requirements. These included investments in additional forestry inspectors, ecologist and administrative staff. We have also implemented changes to our systems and processes on foot of the recommendations contained in an independent end-to-end Systems and Processes Analysis.
In 2023 my Department issued 2,838 felling licences.
265. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to review the current calendar-based system for the spreading of slurry in light of changing weather patterns and spells of very intense rainfall associated with this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26165/24]
View answerThe Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Waters (GAP) Regulations, (S.I. 113 of 2022 as amended), sets out the periods when application of manures to land is prohibited.
The GAP Regulations also set out the circumstances when soiled water, organic or chemical fertilisers must not be applied to land. This includes, when the land is waterlogged, flooded or likely to flood, or when heavy rain is forecast within 48 hours.
In 2016, Teagasc's Agricultural Catchments Programme (ACP) published the findings of a 4-year assessment of nutrient losses from five different intensively managed Irish agricultural catchments. This research validated the need for the closed periods. It identified that during the winter months there was a significantly greater proportion of nutrients being lost from agricultural land to water even when farmers were adhering to the closed period.
This published research by Shore et al. can be accessed at: www.teagasc.ie/environment/water-quality/agricultural-catchments/publications/papers-all-years/#d.en.55879 .
Where there are unseasonably wet periods this ACP research also identified higher than normal nutrient losses. This validates the requirement for farmers to also adhere to the GAP Regulation requirements regarding circumstances when nutrients must not be applied during the open period.
As highlighted by the recently published EPA Report "Water Quality in 2023 - An Indicators Report" the levels of nitrate and phosphorous in many of our waters are too high.
From an agricultural perspective we need to all work together to reduce the loss of nutrients to water. Full compliance with the GAP Regulations must be a key element of this.
Ensuring application of fertiliser and organic manure at appropriate times and conditions is a key action in Teagasc's recently launched 'Better Farming for Water – 8 Actions for Change.’ This multi-actor advisory campaign will further support farmers to make the right decisions and reduce nutrient losses.
266. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if grant aid funding is available for anaerobic digesters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26174/24]
View answerAnaerobic Digestion has a critical role to play in the coming years. The National Biomethane Strategy was approved last month. A successful Biomethane industry will assist farmers with the decarbonisation of agriculture, while also providing diversification opportunities for farmers. Notwithstanding this, it will also have a significant role to play in contributing to energy security, as well as the decarbonisation of the energy system by displacing approximately 10% of fossil gas by 2030.
A capital grant of €40 million is available to kickstart an agri-led biomethane industry. AD plants currently operating to produce biogas will be eligible for capital support to upgrade their facilities to produce biomethane and other biobased products, along with new AD plants. While all sustainable feedstocks will be eligible to apply for this initial capital funding, a key aim of the initial grant support will be to develop an agri-led AD plant.
Expressions of interest for this grant scheme is now open and my Department have partnered with SEAI to oversee the administration of the grant to ensure efficient delivery of the scheme. The expression of interest window closes this week, and I would encourage anyone who wants to apply for the grant to complete this form as soon as possible. An application form will be sent to anyone that meets the initial criteria in the Expression of Interest.
I am hugely optimistic about the direction and the potential of Biomethane production over the next decade and beyond. I look forward to engaging with all stakeholders to make the National Biomethane Strategy a success.
267. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 1593 and 1594 of 21 March 2023, the details of the health and safety assessment underpinning his Department’s position not to permit motor caravans from parking overnight in Ros a'Mhíl Fishery Harbour Centre and the other five fishery harbour centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26212/24]
View answerThe six Fishery Harbours Centres managed and maintained by my Department are working fishing centres, and for this reason the Department takes health and safety matters very seriously.
The Department, in consultation with the three Island Committees, agreed to provide parking permits at Ros an Mhíl Fishery Harbour Centre to permanent residents of the Aran Islands. A limited number of spaces in the Fishery Harbour Centre car park have been set aside as a permit parking area. The exclusion of vehicles taxed as ‘Motor Caravan’ from the permit application process reflects the general policy across all harbours not to permit live-aboard vehicles such as caravans, campervans and motor homes in harbour car parks overnight in locations where a working fishing harbour operates.
Therefore, when the terms and conditions of the parking permit application process were decided, such vehicles were not included as eligible under this process.
Almost all applications have been in line with the terms and conditions set out. In a very small number of cases applications have been refused in respect of live-aboard vehicles.
I have requested my Department’s Marine Engineering Division to carry out a specific health and safety assessment on the risk of permitting live-aboard vehicles stay overnight in the working Fishery Harbour Centre starting with Ros an Mhíl.
268. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to outline in full the outcome of a potential compensation payment for a person in County Mayo (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26231/24]
View answerAn application for the first tranche of my Department’s agri-environment scheme, ACRES, on behalf of the person named, was assigned the incorrect stream. This was rectified and the application resubmitted for the second tranche. My Department has written to the person named stating that outstanding administrative issues in relation to their Tranche 1 application are being followed up on, and that it will be in touch further in this regard in due course.
269. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will seek agreement from the European Commission to deploy EMFAF and exchequer funding to financially assist inshore and islands fishermen in Ireland, to compensate them for their serious financial losses over recent times, under EU market disruption criteria. [26244/24]
View answerI am very aware of the challenges facing the inshore fishermen at the moment and met with representatives of the inshore fleet in April to discuss these.
The European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund, EMFAF, is the primary source of funding for the Irish seafood sector. It provides a budget of €258 million for the programme period 2021 to 2027.
I can confirm that my Department is progressing an Inshore Fisheries Support scheme under EMFAF. This scheme provides enhanced grant aid rates, between 80% and 100%, to small scale coastal fishers to support onboard and onshore investments. It will also provide funding for inshore fishers to participate in inshore fisheries conservation measures. This scheme has been circulated to the EMFAF Monitoring Committee for adoption, and the inshore groups such as the NIFF, NIFA and IIMRO are members of the Monitoring Committee. Once it has been adopted it will be implemented by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) without delay.
Inshore fishers can also access support from the Fleet Safety Scheme and Seafood Training Scheme (Fisheries), both of which are open for applications at the moment.
The officials are working closely with BIM to identify what additional supports can be put in place within the constraints I have outlined, and I am confident there will be progress on this in the next couple of months.
Funding supports alone are not the solution to the challenges faced by the inshore fleet. I am committed to ensuring that the necessary scientific and technical knowledge, and support services, which underpin sustainable and viable inshore fisheries, will continue to be provided by BIM and the Marine Institute.
My Department and BIM will be engaging with the inshore sector to develop a successor to the Strategy for Inshore Fisheries Sector 2019-2023. This will provide an opportunity to fully consider the challenges facing the inshore fleet and identify measures to mitigate these challenges.
270. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the report into treatment of animals in marts, as highlighted in a television programme (details supplied) in July 2023 has been completed; if the report can be published; the actions taken by his Department as a result of the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26246/24]
View answerI can confirm that my Department is investigating suspected animal welfare related offences that may have occurred on mart premises arising from the footage broadcast by RTE on 10 July 2023.
The Department is continuing its evidence gathering in relation to these specific incidents and appropriate action will be taken.
Since these investigations are on-going, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further.
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.
272. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a previous conviction for animal cruelty does not preclude the granting of a licence to anyone in such circumstances who later wishes to handle animals industrially; if such a conviction will now do so in the interest of animal welfare and his Department’s credibility and reputation in its welfare remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26282/24]
View answerEC Regulation 1099/2009 on the protection of animals at the time of killing provides the legislative basis for ensuring the welfare of animals in such situations. This sets out a requirement that the killing and related operations may only be carried out by persons with an appropriate level of competence and requiring that such operatives undertake training and acquire a certificate of competence.
My Department issues Certificates of Competence to operators in accordance with this Regulation. The legislation requires that applicants provide a written declaration that they have had no serious infringement under EU and/or national law in the preceding three years. The process to issue a Certificate of Competence continues once my officials are satisfied that the applicant is compliant with this declaration. This is in addition to the applicant having met and passed the prescribed animal welfare training requirements set out in the legislation.
My Department takes the matter of equine welfare most seriously. Equine welfare is protected by legislation and appropriate enforcement action where breaches or shortcomings are identified. A comprehensive investigation into recent events is currently underway by my Department officials with assistance from An Garda Síochána. I can assure the Deputy that these matters will be fully investigated and that the full rigour of the law will be applied in this case.
273. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if slaughterers at a company (details supplied) are fully trained and approved by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26283/24]
View answerOperatives in slaughter plants approved by my Department, including the one mentioned by the Deputy, are required under EU Regulation 1099/2009 to hold a Certificate(s) of Competence in respect of a number of operations - this includes slaughter procedures.
Operatives undertake a Teagasc accredited training course and examination prior to being assessed by my Department’s veterinary officials. Certificates of Competence are only issued once the required level of skill has been demonstrated by the applicant.
The training and assessment procedures necessary for plant operatives to obtain a Certificate of Competence is detailed in Trader Notice 16/2014 (attached for the Deputy’s information).
The activities of all operatives holding Certificates of Competence are continuously monitored by Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) staff in the approved slaughter plant facility as part of regular audits of the Food Business Operator’s Animal Welfare Standard Operating Procedure.
Specifically in relation to the plant noted, the Deputy will be aware, as has been reported in the media that there is an active investigation taking place led by my Department and An Garda Síochána.
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Trader Notice MH 16/2014
To: All Food Business Operators at EU Approved Slaughter Establishments.
Subject: Procedures associated with application for Certificates of Competence by slaughter plant operatives required under Regulation 1099/2009.
Background
Council Regulation (EC) No 1099/2009 came into force on 1st January 2013. SI 292 of 2013 (European Union (Protection Of Animals At The Time Of Killing) Regulations 2013) gives authorised officers the powers to enforce the provisions of this regulation.
Regulation 1099/2009 requires slaughter plant operatives who handle live animals to hold an operation specific Certificate of Competence.
Scope
This Trader Notice covers the procedures to be adopted in the application for Certificates of Competence (CoCs) and assessment of plant operative applicants prior to issuing Certificates of Competence.
This Trader Notice does not cover the award of Certificates of Competence to proposed Animal Welfare Officers (AWO) unless they put themselves forward for direct assessment in the same manner as plant operatives.[AWOs will be covered by a subsequent Trader Notice]
Application Procedure
Certificates of Competence are species, operation and equipment specific. Operatives working with several species at the same approved slaughter plant must have a Certificate of Competence which is valid for each species worked with. Equally, if more than one type of stunning equipment is used, the operative must hold separate Certificates of Competence which are valid for each (e.g. Pig plants where CO2 gas stunning is generally used but where an electric tongs is also used for sows).
Each individual applicant, with the assistance of the FBO, must produce:
1. Evidence of Training and Examination Passed
Certificates of Competence may be awarded to slaughter plant operatives who demonstrate that they have undergone an approved course in Animal Welfare at Slaughter covering the operations listed in Regulation 1099/2009
Evidence of Training and Examination passed must be presented to the VI in charge at the time of submission of application forms. This evidence may comprise:
1. Certificate of Attendance at a Teagasc Animal Welfare Training Course and of passing the Official Teagasc Animal Welfare Examination, or
2. Evidence of attendance at a DAFM approved FBO Animal Welfare Training Course (FBO Training Record) and a Certificate of passing the Official Teagasc Animal Welfare Examination. If you are unsure about whether an FBO animal welfare course was DAFM approved please check with VPHIS HQ. If the course was not DAFM approved it cannot be accepted as evidence of training.
2. Declaration
The applicant for a Certificate of Competence must sign a written declaration (built into the Application Form) stating that he/she has committed no serious infringement of Community law and/or national law on the protection of animals in the three years preceding the date of application for such a certificate.
3. Photographic Identification
The applicant must present his/her photographic ID (Passport or Drivers License) to the plant VI. In addition, an identified digital passport size photograph must be e-mailed to Meat Hygiene Division.
4. Application Form
Each applicant for a Certificate of Competence must complete an Application Form This form must specify the following:
· The operation (s) for which the Certificate of Competence is applied for.
· The species for which the Certificate of Competence is applied for.
· The equipment for which the Certificate of Competence is applied for.
· The evidence of training and examinations passed
The applicant must sign the declaration and the form must be countersigned by an FBO representative (supervisor).
The FBO must ask the VI to sign off all of the Application Forms which are then forwarded by the FBO to Meat Hygiene Division.
5. Summary:
When presented to the VI the Application form must be accompanied by:
1. Evidence of Training and Examination to be copied by DAFM.
2. Photographic ID to be copied by DAFM
3. Digital passport sized identified photograph (sent by e-mail to Meat Hygiene Division)
Role of the FBO
The Role of the FBO is to:
1. Ensure that all operatives involved in any of the 7 operations listed above apply for a Certificate of Competence on the application form available from the Veterinary Office [or Meat Hygiene Division]
2. Ensure that any operatives whose first language is not English fully understand what they are applying for and the Declaration they are signing.
3. Ensure that all Application Forms are signed off by the VI
4. Forward all Application Forms and identified Digital Photographs to Meat Hygiene Division at meatinspection@agriculture.gov.ie .
Assessment of Competence of Operatives
The VI is required to base his/her assessment of each applicant on direct observation of the operative at work using the VI Assessment Report accompanying this Trader Notice
Please ensure that the species, operations and equipment assessed match those on the Application Form.
Each applicant must show that he/she can carry out the operation(s) applied for without causing the animals any avoidable pain, distress or suffering.
A separate Assessment Report will be completed for different species in the same plant.
There are two possible outcomes to the assessment of applicants by direct observation of competence. These are:
1. The VI will recommend that the applicant be awarded a Certificate of Competence in all of the operations applied for.
2. The VI will recommend that award of Certificate of Competence be deferred in one or more of the operations applied for pending the applicant undergoing additional training and reassessment after a defined period (e.g. 1 month)
The VI will forward the completed VI Assessment Report to Meat Hygiene Division at the following address: meatinspection@agriculture.gov.ie . CoCs will issue based on the VI’s recommendations. Certificates will be printed in batches and therefore may take a number of weeks to issue, depending on demand.
Organization of Applicant Assessments
Since a large number of applicants for Certificates of Competence may be put forward for assessment it may take some time to carry out all of the assessments..
FBOs should discuss the time-organization of applicant assessments with the VI to ensure that this work is carried out in an organized way.
The FBO should divide applications up into:
A. Critical operatives – essential operatives who require CoCs immediately because they work at defined operations on all kill days
B. Less critical operatives – substitute or stand-by operatives who will require CoCs but not necessarily immediately.
The individual assessments are wholly based on on-the-job assessment. This will only involve observation of the operative at work and there is no requirement to interview the applicants.
Applicants for Certificates of Competence in Slaughter without Prior Stunning (Article 4(4))
All operatives involved in any aspect of the slaughter of animals without prior stunning (under Article 4(4) of Regulation 1099/2009) must hold a Certificate of Competence for this operation. These include all operatives involved in:
1. The restraint of animals for slaughter without prior stunning
2. The severing of the jugulars and carotids
3. The release of the animals from the restraint
4. The shackling of animals slaughtered without prior stunning
5. Monitoring slaughter without prior stunning
Applicants should be assessed on the basis of the part of the operation that they are involved in.
274. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the role of State or other veterinarians in the operation of a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26284/24]
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.
Food business operators (FBOs) are responsible for ensuring they only put safe food on the market. My Department exercises controls under the Official Controls Regulations to verify compliance by the FBOs with regulatory requirement. My Department exercises these controls, including the carrying out of ante-mortem and post-mortem examinations of the animals, identify checks and compliance with sanitary standards. These controls are carried out by technical and veterinary staff of my Department and contracted veterinary practitioners. My officials also provide official certification if this is required for trade. As the business mentioned slaughtered animals on one day per week, my officials attended on the days of slaughter.
The recent Prime Time programme showed distressing footage of welfare abuses and potential breaches of traceability rules in a building adjacent to the business premises referenced, but which does not form part of the approved premises. The Department had imposed restrictions a number of weeks ago on the holding where that building is situated and no horses may be kept, moved on or off that holding whilst this legal restriction remains in place.
My Department has commenced an investigation into these matters with the support of An Garda Siochana. I am assured that the full force of the law will be brought to bear in relation to these matters
275. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the emergency actions that are being taken in the matter of a company (details supplied), in terms of animal welfare, prosecuting for animal cruelty, withdrawal of licence to operate, micro-chipping and changing of identity, bio-security risk and possible contamination of the food chain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26285/24]
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.
In terms of immediate actions, 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 must immediately cease operating as an equine slaughter food business. No animals had been slaughtered at the premises since 5th June, the product of which had been detained. Furthermore, my Department has placed restrictions on two equine holdings linked to the slaughter plant prohibiting the presence or entry of any animals without the prior approval of my Department.
My Department has initiated a comprehensive investigation with assistance from An Garda Síochána. This investigation is active and ongoing and it is important now that this investigation is not prejudiced so that the full force of the law can be applied. However, it is clear that a collective effort across the European Union, among Member States and the Commission, is required to improve the system. My Department is committed to assisting in that process, along with our European Colleagues and the Commission.
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.
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.
278. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he can guarantee that animals unsuitable for consumption have not entered the food chain given the changes to micro-chipping and identities revealed by RTÉ; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26288/24]
View answerThe footage broadcast on RTÉ Investigates that aired on Wednesday and Thursday 12 and 13 June 2024 was extremely upsetting. 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.
It is important to recall that responsibility for placing safe food on the market lies with the food business operator. My Department takes the protection of the food chain extremely seriously and there are robust controls in place at the slaughter plant in question. These 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 regarding identification, 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.
