Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
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325. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of animal-welfare checks that are made on slaughterhouses and any properties involved with them in holding animals each year; to publish the results of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27199/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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In addition on ongoing welfare checks that take place on days of operation, all slaughter plants approved by my department are subject to a full animal welfare audit at least twice a year. This audit is carried out by an Official Veterinarian and examines all aspects of welfare at the slaughter plant. In addition, each slaughter plant is audited annually by the Regional Veterinary Manager (Superintending Veterinary Inspector) who reviews plant activities (including animal welfare) and official controls by Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine staff.

Details of Official Controls carried out under animal welfare during transport and animal welfare at the time of killing are reported to the European Commission and published as appropriate on an annual basis in the Multi Annual National Control Plan (MANCP).

All other holdings on which animals are kept may be inspected on a random and/or targeted basis by officers of my Department.