Mr. Gerry Greally:

The culling practices are closely monitored by departmental staff. Veterinary staff from the Department inspect these premises at culling time. The premises also have a veterinary practitioner available. That person goes in and monitors the culling practices as well. Carbon monoxide is used. Training schemes have been in place for a number of years to train the users in the killing method. All these farmers and their workers are trained in its use and it is closely monitored by staff from the Department and by private vets. We have had no issues around the welfare aspects at culling over the years. Generally speaking, these farmers are very much in line with national and EU legislation in that regard. They built extra houses in 2012 when we reviewed the industry and they revamped the cage sizes. We continue to be happy with compliance with welfare regulations.