Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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241. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if it is policy not to pursue additional capacity within the beef sector as stated by the Immigration Investor Programme Evaluation Committee; the details of the members of the committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24675/20]

Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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242. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether the policy to not to pursue additional capacity denies farmers access to markets and creates barriers to trade for consumers and farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24676/20]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 241 and 242 together.

My Department has a statutory responsibility to approve slaughter plants in accordance with the European Union (Food and Feed Hygiene) Regulations 2020. Such approval is neutral on whether or not additional slaughter capacity is required, rather it assesses premises in accordance with meeting the strict criteria laid down in the EU legislation referenced.

With regard to any proposed additional processing facilities, I would urge those involved to engage with my Department veterinary officials at an early stage in order to understand and address the requirements for approval to be registered with DAFM and to operate as a meat establishment under EU and Irish law.

I understand that the Immigration Investor Programme Evaluation Committee is a committee under the remit of the Department of Justice.