Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The footage shown last night was appalling and the actions of the individuals shown are abhorrent and completely unacceptable. Deputy Coveney raised some interesting questions. I am reluctant to go too far in light of potential prosecutions and the Department's determination to bring the full force of the law to bear. However, I have no doubt that horse butchers in European countries where horse meat is consumed will certainly be thinking twice about purchasing where they cannot be sure about traceability. This is something that is very important from a national point of view. The welfare of horses is protected by legislation, and where breaches or shortcomings are identified, appropriate enforcement action is taken. This will happen here.

Some of the footage shown last night demonstrates how the EU equine traceability rules can be circumvented by those who want to engage in illegal activity. We need to work together with our colleagues to ensure we can improve this system. The Department is committed to assisting in that process along with other EU member states and the Commission.

The Department has initiated a comprehensive investigation with help from An Garda Síochána. This investigation is active and ongoing and should not be prejudiced so that the full force of the law can be applied. We need to make sure that nothing is said in this Chamber that could damage that.

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