Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 570: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied that Department approved meat plants have the appropriate equipment for the slaughter of buffaloes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7937/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Slaughterhouses and meat processing plants operate under the approval and supervision of my Department, in accordance with the terms of EU Food Hygiene Regulations. My Department has approved 31 meat plants for the slaughter of bovine animals. Buffaloes are classified as bovine animals. The slaughter of buffaloes would be a matter for commercial decision by the meat plants concerned, but logistical issues may arise because of the size of the animals. Any such activity would be closely monitored by my officials as part of their supervisory role in such plants, to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements relating to animal welfare and hygiene.