Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the horse meat controversy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9018/13]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

There are 47 meat plants approved by my Department to slaughter animals for human consumption. These plants are supervised by veterinary inspectors (VIs) employed by my Department, assisted in their duties by technical staff (agricultural officers) and by temporary veterinary inspectors (TVIs) contracted from private practice. TVIs are engaged, as and when required, on a contractor basis. My Department’s VI-in-charge at each meat plant rosters TVI panellists at the meat plant, as and when required on the basis of seniority, availability and suitability, assessed on work performance. Fees are only paid to TVIs in respect of completed TVI shifts and the payment of such fees is subject to the satisfactory provision of TVI services.

Up until December 2011 when the Department ceased accepting TVI applications, it was open to any veterinary practitioner registered with the Veterinary Council of Ireland to apply for approval to be engaged as a TVI. The slaughter of horses for human consumption is permitted under EU legislation. Approval is required under the Food Hygiene Regulations if a food business operator wishes to slaughter horses for human consumption. An applicant who demonstrates compliance with all relevant legislative requirements is entitled to such approval.