Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

There has been constant discussion with the various stakeholders, and we want to ensure there is maximum confidence in the system. A number of measures have been introduced to enhance controls and procedures, including increased frequency of control visits by officials of my Department; enhanced monitoring of control and classification results; formal self-checks of machines in each meat plant; ongoing training of factory operatives on the operation of machines; and enhanced communications between stakeholders. I emphasise that the meat factories have a serious responsibility to ensure that all machinery is operating to the highest standards.

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