Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 668: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, as part of the capital grant scheme for meat processing facilities, she will include provision to 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. [20872/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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In line with Agri-Vision 2015, I announced last year a Capital Investment Scheme, totalling some €50 million, for the beef and sheepmeat processing sectors. This grant assistance, which should trigger investment of some €120 million, is yet another clear indication of the Government's commitment to the continued development of a modern, competitive, innovative and market-focused food industry.

The objective of the scheme is to make financial assistance available towards the cost of the construction and acquisition of buildings, new machinery and equipment and, consequently, assist the industry in improving efficiency and competitiveness and in so doing, not only strengthen primary processing but also underpin agricultural incomes.

As regards the operation of weighing scales I would point out that officials of my Department carry out regular inspections of meat plants to ensure that weighing equipment is operating efficiently 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 instances, however, it might not be practical for the meat plant to install a viewing area because of building 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.