Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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534. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider making the installation of CCTV in abattoirs here a mandatory requirement in order to protect against potential abuse of animals. [29854/16]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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All slaughter plants whose meat is destined for human consumption must meet the requirements set out in detailed EU regulations relating to food safety and animal health and welfare. Large scale slaughter plants operate under the supervision of my Department, while smaller scale abattoirs are supervised by the Local Authority Veterinary Service.

Primary responsibility for compliance with these regulatory requirements rests in the first instance with food business operators. In addition, each slaughter establishment has a qualified animal welfare officer who oversees the welfare of the animals at the time of slaughter.

Installation of CCTV is not a mandatory regulatory requirement. However the slaughter process and the handling of animals going to slaughter takes place under strictly supervised conditions. My Department has a permanent veterinary presence in each of the slaughter plants under its supervision and Department staff carry out regular checks as part of official regulatory controls.