Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

We are seeking a debate as a matter of urgency on the issues that have flowed from the "RTÉ Investigates: Horses - Making a Killing" programme. A significant abuse occurred in Shannonside Foods, which is the only equine abattoir in the country and has been temporarily closed down. The abuse that was featured has rightly caused outrage. Horses have been removed from the site. The owner has removed them to his County Clare lands. There is much concern about the welfare of those horses and what oversight there is. There are also traceability issues emerging. There are horse passports and no corresponding horses. The RTÉ report has also triggered Europe-wide food safety investigations. We are talking about a multibillion euro food sector that would be compromised and there would be reputational damage. We are seeking that there should be a debate in this House where the Minister will come and answer questions because there are increasing questions coming up as a consequence that have flowed from that "RTÉ Investigates" report.

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