Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 316: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will ensure that farmers have a clear and unimpeded view for the scales in meat plants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43399/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Officials of my Department carry out regular inspections of meat plants to ensure that weighing equipment is checked and that weighing procedures are being correctly carried out in a consistent manner. In some meat plants, farmers have a clear view of the scales readout where the plant has installed a special viewing area specifically for this purpose. In some cases it might not be practical for the meat plant to install a viewing area because of plant design. In such cases it would be a matter for the plant to decide, taking account of hygiene and health and safety concerns, whether a farmer would be permitted access to the scales area during processing of his or her animals.