Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The value of Ireland’s food, drink and horticulture exports was almost €16.3 billion last year. Agri-food products emanate from every county in the country and we are now exporting to 180 markets and countries around the globe. The fact that our agri-food products are sought after worldwide is a testament to the high standards that apply and the good reputation that Ireland has for food production.

EU regulations require food and feed business operators to ensure that all stages of production within their control comply with both European and national laws. As the competent authority, my Department ensures compliance with EU and national regulations concerning animal health, animal welfare and food safety throughout the entire food chain. My Department works in partnership with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland to ensure consumer protection through the diligent application of official controls. Staff from my Department carry out risk-based controls and inspections at establishments under Department supervision to monitor and verify compliance with European and national animal welfare and food safety law throughout the food chain.

At the farm level, compliance is managed by staff from the 16 regional veterinary offices, who oversee animal health, welfare and the implementation of residue controls in live animals.

Official veterinarians supervise slaughterhouses and meat processing plants. Veterinary inspectors are stationed permanently at larger meat and poultry processing facilities, where their responsibilities include conducting ante mortem and post mortem checks; monitoring hygiene standards; verifying food business operator procedures; inspecting structural and operational hygiene; and enforcing controls on animal welfare, identification and residues. Annual audits of all slaughter plants are conducted by regional superintending veterinary inspectors. Other facilities, such as meat-cutting plants and milk pasteurising establishments, are inspected regularly on a risk-based schedule to ensure compliance with health and hygiene regulations.

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