Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 147: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of abattoirs operating in County Mayo; the number of abattoirs closed down in the past ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4263/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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According to my Department's records, there was a total of 32 approved abattoirs in Co Mayo in 1998. In 1998 all abattoirs were under the supervision of my Department. Local abattoirs (or low throughput slaughtering establishments) are those establishments that slaughter no more than 1,000 livestock units per annum. In 1998 such abattoirs were only permitted to trade on the domestic market. According to the Department's records there were 29 local abattoirs in 1998 and 3 larger export approved slaughter plants.

The Local Authority Veterinary Service (LAVS), reporting to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, is now responsible for local abattoirs. I understand that there are currently 17 such abattoirs approved by the LAVS, and 4 larger abattoirs approved by my Department under new EU regulations collectively known as the Hygiene Package, which came into operation on 1 January 2006.

The Hygiene Package set out updated requirements regarding hygiene and safety assurance for food business operators involved in production and placing on the market of foods of animal origin. The Hygiene Package was transposed into Irish domestic law by the European Communities (Food and Feed Hygiene) Regulations, (S.I. No. 910 of 2005).

It is important to note that under the Hygiene Package, product from all approved establishments, regardless of size, may now be exported provided it is accompanied by appropriate certification. Thus, the distinction between local abattoirs, which could only sell on the national market, and larger abattoirs or so called export plants, was removed.

You will be interested to hear that I have recently announced an aid scheme for small slaughter houses and meat establishments. Details are available on the Department's website.