Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 July 2024
228. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if departmental licensing and competence certification continued at any slaughter operations, including a company (details supplied), while any possible investigations were taking place on passporting and ID issues, relating to any persons in previous years and resulting in the Department itself pursuing a legal case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30290/24]
View answerFull approval was granted to the business referred to on 25th February 2016, granting approval to operate as a Food Business Operator in respect of Slaughtering - Equine in accordance with Regulation 4 of the European Communities (Food and Feed Hygiene) Regulations 2009 (S.L No. 432 of 2009). This approval remained in force until it was revoked on 14 June 2024.
Regarding the Competence Certification, EU legislation requires slaughterhouses to designate an animal welfare officer (AWO) to assist them in ensuring compliance with the rules laid down in the Regulation. These AWOs are responsible for the supervision of animal welfare and must hold Certificates of Competence in the operations for which they are responsible.
There was one current AWO at the business referred to. Other employees who are involved in the slaughter of animals and ancillary activities are also required to have certificates of competence. Certificates of Competence may be awarded to slaughter plant operatives who demonstrate that they have undergone an approved course in Animal Welfare at Slaughter. The applicant for a Certificate of Competence must sign a written declaration confirming that he/she has not been convicted within the three years preceding the date of application of any infringement in relation to the protection of animals under national or EU law. Certificates of Competence were issued to five operatives at the business referred to. One of these operatives was the nominated Animal Welfare Officer.
The Minister may revoke a Certificate of Competence, pursuant to Regulation 19 of the European Union (Protection of Animals at the Time of Killing) Regulations 2013 (SI 292/2013) where the Minister is satisfied that the person named on the certificate is not fit or suitable to hold a certificate.
The certificate of Competence for the Animal Welfare Officer was revoked on the 5th July 2024. The remaining certificates of competence have not been revoked.
