Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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189. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if, following the recent documentary aired by RTÉ on 12 June 2024 (details supplied), he will outline the actions being taken to address the issues highlighted in same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26557/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The footage broadcast on the ‘RTÉ Investigates’ show that aired on Wednesday and Thursday 12 and 13 June 2024 was extremely upsetting, and I share the reaction of viewers who were appalled by such a blatant disregard for the welfare of horses and suspected criminality.

In terms of immediate actions, on the 14th of June I issued a notice to the slaughter plant concerned revoking their approval for the slaughter of equines. The revocation of the food business approval means that the plant can not operate as an equine slaughter food business. Furthermore, my Department has placed restrictions on two equine holdings linked to the slaughter plant prohibiting the movement of equines into or out of those premises without the prior approval of my Department.

My Department has initiated a comprehensive investigation with assistance from An Garda Síochána. This investigation is active and ongoing and is important now that this investigation is not prejudiced so that the full force of the law can be applied.

However, it is clear that a collective effort across the European Union, among Member States and the Commission, is required to improve the system. My Department is committed to assisting in that process, along with our European Colleagues and the Commission.