John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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412. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 565 of 4 May 2022, the geographic areas in which the lack of drivers has resulted in no animal-collection service being available; the expected timeframe for the issue to be resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27035/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The functioning of the animal collection service is a priority for my Department. 

The Fallen Animal Scheme facilitates the collection and disposal of fallen animals in accordance with EU animal by-products legislation. The Department engages with the Animal Collectors Association (ACA.) 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 issues regarding the collection of sheep in the south-east area and is in engaging with the ACA to resolve these issues.

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