Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 448: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the legislation which governs the slaughter of pigs here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23655/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The legislation which governs the slaughter of pigs in Ireland is the Slaughter of Animals Act 1935, the Abattoirs Act 1988 and regulations made thereunder and the European Communities (Protection of Animals at Time of Slaughter) Regulations 1995.

Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 449: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on whether it is acceptable to use a captive bolt stun gun as the sole method for slaughter of pigs; if this method concurs with EU and Irish legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23656/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The captive bolt pistol is approved under Irish legislation as an instrument for stunning. There is clear scientific evidence and practical proof that the captive bolt pistol is capable of not only stunning animals but killing them. The captive bolt pistol, using a standard charge, is suitable for the stunning of 500-600 kg cattle and is also adequate for the slaughter of pigs of 90 kg body weight.

Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 454: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the level of overseeing which is required by veterinary officers in the case of a mass slaughter operation of farm animals; if it is necessary for a veterinary surgeon to be present at all times; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23661/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The level of overseeing on the part of veterinary inspectors in the case of a mass slaughter operation of farm animals is not defined. It is not considered necessary for a veterinary surgeon to be present at all time during such an operation.