Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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456. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps being taken to tackle illegal animal slaughterhouses in view of the discoveries made in Northern Ireland; if he has been in contact with the authorities in Northern Ireland on this matter; the steps being taken to tackle both the illegal slaughter and the supply to these illegal slaughterhouses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11739/14]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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All slaughterhouses whose meat is destined for human consumption must meet the requirements set out in detailed EU food safety regulations, generally referred to as the ‘Hygiene Package’. These regulations are implemented in Ireland under the European Communities (Food and Feed Hygiene) Regulations 2009, S.I. No 432 of 2009. Large scale slaughter plants operate under the supervision of my Department and smaller slaughtering establishments are supervised by local authorities.

It would not be appropriate for me to comment on individual cases but I can confirm that the authorities in Northern Ireland and my Department have been in contact in relation to this matter. Where specific allegations are made in relation to breaches of the legislation concerned within this jurisdiction, my Department investigates the matter thoroughly and takes appropriate action.