Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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845. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the animal collection issue (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22553/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The importance of the animal collection service is well recognised by my Department, as it provides an essential service to the farming community and wider public.

The Fallen Animal Scheme facilitates the collection and disposal of fallen animals in accordance with EU animal by-products legislation. My Department engages with the Animal Collectors Association (A.C.A.) on an on going basis to ensure the collection of fallen animals is carried out in compliance with this legislation. My Department is aware of some concerns regarding the collection of sheep in the south-east and is in engagement with the A.C.A. to resolve these issues.

The Department is also aware of some issues regarding the shortage of staff in knackeries and is engaged with the A.C.A. and with the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment to try to help resolve these issues.