Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 178: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the procedures which are in place at each regional veterinary laboratory to dispose of carcasses after analysis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18980/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Carcasses for disposal at each of my Department's five regional veterinary laboratories are deemed to be animal by-products and are governed by the provisions of Regulation (EC) 1774/2002. They are classed as Category 1 high risk material and are placed in on-site skips, which are covered at all times. The skips are clearly marked Category 1 for disposal only. The skips are transported to one of the four Department approved Category 1 Rendering Plants in the country and the movement of the carcasses is covered by means of a Commercial Document, which contains all relevant information relating to the contents of the skip, the consignor and consignee. The removal of the skips takes place at least once per week, and more often when the need demands, e.g. twice per week during the summer.