Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)

The fallen animals scheme represented poor value for the taxpayer and it facilitated the emergence of a cartel, which overcharged and excessively profiteered on the disposal of dead animals. The proof of this is the substantially lower prices paid in Northern Ireland for the disposal of animals. Will the Minister ensure that all impediments to licensed bona fide operators from Northern Ireland are removed in order that they can compete aggressively for business in the Republic and be licensed, provided they meet all the requirements, and that the Department adopts a proactive approach in this regard? Competition will drive prices down significantly. A number of these operators are being licensed but the Department needs to be proactive on this.

Sampling will still be required for animals aged over 48 months because of BSE. The cost associated with having personnel to carry out the sampling is substantial. I understand on the basis of a reply I received to a previous parliamentary question that the Department invested considerable funds training non-veterinary staff to FETAC level 5 to carry out post-mortem inspections of animals in meat factories but it never subsequently availed of the staff it trained. The cost of producing samples of animals aged over 48 months is excessive. It is a simple procedure, which involves scooping out brain matter, putting it in a test tube, closing the cap and sending it to the laboratory for testing. Significant savings could also be made in this area if the Minister had the will to tackle the issue. Has he plans in this regard?

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