Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 14: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has a national strategy aimed at developing local abattoirs in each county across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16969/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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There are abattoirs located in every county in Ireland. The regulation of local abattoirs is the responsibility of local authorities, who report to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland on this issue. I understand that there are 220 local abattoirs under the supervision of the local authorities, while 51 larger establishments come under the remit of my Department. In order to assist the development of this sector, small slaughterhouses and low-throughput meat establishments were included under the last round of funding provided through my Department's Capital Investment Scheme for the Marketing and Processing of Agricultural Products in 2008. Applications were sought from abattoirs and meat establishments with a view to:

improving efficiency

adding value to products or producing new products

developing new markets, and

contributing to the overall development of the sector generally.

Following a detailed evaluation and selection process, 31 small meat establishments were approved for funding of nearly €8 million towards overall investment in the sector of over €25 million. The projects included refurbishment of some abattoirs and one new abattoir. This investment, involving enterprises spread throughout 19 different counties, represents a very substantial commitment to the future of this sector. Technical support for artisan meat businesses is also available through a dedicated meat technologist employed by Teagasc. The technologist works with food businesses, Teagasc and other institutes to ensure best knowledge, skills and technology is made available through training, advice and technical support.

The deputy may also be aware that I have launched a major initiative to draw up a long-term strategy for the overall agri-food, forestry and fisheries sectors. I have appointed a Committee, chaired by Dr Sean Brady, to lead the strategy and my Department also established a web-based public consultation process. I am satisfied that this approach, incorporating all elements of the food supply chain, including the meat sector, provides the best potential for a comprehensive, joined up approach to ensuring the continued growth of the many different elements that make up our agri-food industry. The Committee will report in June.