Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 484: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason for the classification of pig offal as class three hazardous waste which prevents its use in biomass plants; his plans to remedy this anomaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37189/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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In accordance with Regulation (EC) No. 1774/2002, pig offal is classified as a Category 3 animal by-product (ABP). This is the lowest risk category of animal by-product. Pig offal is not generally regarded as hazardous waste.

The normal method of disposal of pig offal is by rendering. The above mentioned regulation provides for a number of other approved methods of disposal of pig offal. These include using it as a raw material for manufacturing petfood.

The Diseases of Animals Act 1966 (Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies) (Fertilisers & Soil Improvers) Order 2008 – S.I. No 253 of 2008 – places restrictions on the types of ABP that can be used in a compost or biogas plant. Raw ABP from abbatoirs or meat processing plants is not allowed be used in a compost or biogas plant. This is intended to help prevent the spread of diseases and to protect our valuable meat industry. These national restrictions are permitted under EU regulations.