Sean Barrett (Independent)

There was one other point arising, which might be of interest. Some people in the meat trade who are very proud of their reputation say that the customer is the best person to police the product. It is a longer-term project. Perhaps the veterinary surgeons employed by the State in the meat factories may not be needed in the future in a meat trade that is proud of and defends its reputation.

I agree that inspections were necessary in the past, because some had reputations which were damaging to the country, but that may not always be the case. I accept the Minister's advice.