Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 June 2024
329. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will now undertake a complete animal welfare audit of all slaughter facilities; if he will publish the findings of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27203/24]
View answerAll slaughter plants approved by my department are subject to a full Animal Welfare Audit at least twice a year carried out by the Official Veterinarian which examines all aspects of welfare at the plant, including the work of the Animal Welfare Officer. In addition, the plant is audited annually by the Regional Superintending Veterinary Inspector (RSVI) who reviews plant activities (including animal welfare) and official controls by DAFM staff.
Details of Official Controls carried out under Animal welfare during transport (Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005[1]), SI 675 f 2006 and Animal welfare at the time of killing (Council Regulation (EC) No 1099/2009[2] ), SI 292 of 2023 are reported to the European Commission and published as appropriate on an annual basis in the Multi Annual National Control Plan.
[1] Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 of 22 December 2004 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations and amending Directives 64/432/EEC and 93/119/EC and Regulation (EC) No 1255/97 (OJ L 3, 5.1.2005, p. 1)
[2] Council Regulation (EC) No 1099/2009 of 24 September 2009 on the protection of animals at the time of killing (OJ L 303, 18.11.2009, p. 1)
