Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 December 2025
211. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the animal welfare standards which are applied to non-stun slaughter in Ireland; if these standards meet EU animal welfare regulations; and if he will consider prohibiting non-stun slaughter on animal welfare grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68191/25]
View answer215. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the economic value of the Halal market to Irish meat exports; and if he will consider whether this market justifies the continuation of non-stun slaughter practices given animal welfare concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68195/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 211 and 215 together.
There is EU and Irish legislation in place for the protection of animals at the time of slaughter. The legislation requires animals to be stunned before they are slaughtered. However, slaughter of animals without prior stunning, as prescribed by religious rites, is also permitted under the EU legislation, under derogation.
My Department is responsible for implementation of the above legislation and animal welfare legislation generally. Policy on all animal welfare issues is subject to periodic review particularly in light of new information on the topic or developments at EU level and on foot of such a review policy changes may be implemented if deemed appropriate.
This type of slaughter is carried out in Ireland in a very limited number of slaughter plants and those plants must meet specific requirements in order to be approved to carry out slaughter without stunning; plant owners must apply to my Department and submit a Standard Operating Procedure for this type of slaughter, specific to their plant, for pre-approval, they must also meet requirements in relation to plant infrastructure and training and competence of staff carrying out the slaughter.
My Department is not involved in the Halal certification of meat and meat products arising from slaughter without prior stunning as this is an arrangement between food businesses and Halal Certifying Bodies and my Department does not have specific economic information in relation to halal markets.
