Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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1558. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the views of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission on the issue of the placing of barriers to new entrants to the meat processing sector; his views on whether a submission from his Department to the immigrant investor programme evaluation committee in relation to a proposed facility in Banagher represents such a barrier; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33837/20]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, my Department has a statutory responsibility to approve slaughter plants in accordance with the European Union (Food and Feed Hygiene) Regulations 2020. In relation to the proposed plant referenced, my officials are engaging with the proposed plant operators to ensure that they understand and address the requirements for approval to be registered with DAFM and to operate as a meat establishment under EU and Irish law.

In relation to the proposed development referenced by the Deputy, my Department's submission to the Committee referenced reflected the state of play at that time, in December 2019. I am aware of the CCPC's statutory responsibility for enforcing competition and consumer protection law, and their general remit to promote competition and consumer welfare. I am clear that my Department is not placing any barriers to new entrants to the meat processing sector. However, my Department must operate within the context of the statutory responsibility outlined and the relevant legislation.

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.