Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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Yes, but something has to be done with these horses now. They were going to be slaughtered. What I am asking does not impinge in any way on the DPP case being taken. Those horses are to be slaughtered. I am aware since last week that there was only one horse slaughtering plant approved in the State. It is no longer approved, so we do not have any now. I am asking what happens to horses that have to be slaughtered. I know this is not easy but I am trying to get an answer, so please do not have me going around the houses for half an hour on this. Obviously, there has to be a plan now. The most likely scenario, I expect, although I am not an expert on this and have only limited knowledge of it, is that an approved plant will be used. I know such plants are run to a high standard. County council vets oversee them. They are paid by the county council and approved by the Department to oversee the animals going into the food chain. They are run to a very high standard, and I acknowledge that. There is high traceability and what has happened since the nineties has been very good. We all acknowledge that but I think we also have to acknowledge it is important that this is protected. What has happened here is anything but good. Will these horses now be slaughtered in a plant where cattle would be slaughtered? That would appear to be the most appropriate and logical thing to do, once there is proper veterinary supervision.