Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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58. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied that adequate husbandry and production throughout the food chain, including standards at abattoirs, remains at the highest level, in keeping with EU and national standards; if he is satisfied that best practice continues in all instances, without exception; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38137/24]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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The question seeks to ascertain the extent to which production, husbandry, slaughtering and checking facilities continue to prevail throughout all areas of the agri-food business sector and that the same standards are applied to food imports for the home market as well as exports.

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The value of Ireland’s food, drink and horticulture exports was almost €16.3 billion last year. Agri-food products emanate from every county in the country and we are now exporting to 180 markets and countries around the globe. The fact that our agri-food products are sought after worldwide is a testament to the high standards that apply and the good reputation that Ireland has for food production.

EU regulations require food and feed business operators to ensure that all stages of production within their control comply with both European and national laws. As the competent authority, my Department ensures compliance with EU and national regulations concerning animal health, animal welfare and food safety throughout the entire food chain. My Department works in partnership with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland to ensure consumer protection through the diligent application of official controls. Staff from my Department carry out risk-based controls and inspections at establishments under Department supervision to monitor and verify compliance with European and national animal welfare and food safety law throughout the food chain.

At the farm level, compliance is managed by staff from the 16 regional veterinary offices, who oversee animal health, welfare and the implementation of residue controls in live animals.

Official veterinarians supervise slaughterhouses and meat processing plants. Veterinary inspectors are stationed permanently at larger meat and poultry processing facilities, where their responsibilities include conducting ante mortem and post mortem checks; monitoring hygiene standards; verifying food business operator procedures; inspecting structural and operational hygiene; and enforcing controls on animal welfare, identification and residues. Annual audits of all slaughter plants are conducted by regional superintending veterinary inspectors. Other facilities, such as meat-cutting plants and milk pasteurising establishments, are inspected regularly on a risk-based schedule to ensure compliance with health and hygiene regulations.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Given that we have had a couple of glitches in the past, including the recent past, in the standards that should have applied at abattoirs throughout the European Union, including in this country, is the Minister satisfied that all abattoirs and all areas where food products are prepared are sufficiently alerted to the necessity to keep to the highest possible standards? The Minister referred to the wide markets involved. It is important to ensure that we are at least on par with those standards or ahead of them.

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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That is critical. I thank the Deputy for putting this on the agenda of the Dáil today. Auditing and regular day-to-day oversight and inspection are crucial to confidence in our food sector. Anywhere where something is identified that is not compliant, it is immediately followed up and taken very seriously. We have put significant staffing resources into this, as well as robust checks and balances, and that is something we will continue with. As I said, in any instance where standards are not as they should be, immediate action is taken by the Department. I thank the Deputy for raising the issue.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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I will also mention the existence previously of so-called horse burgers. Have they been eliminated from the food chain? Is the Minister satisfied that no opportunity exists for anybody to bypass the system? The standards that are applicable here also apply to food imports into this country, particularly from third countries. Is the Minister satisfied that the level of inspection is sufficient to ensure the highest possible standards at all stages?

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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On the first question concerning an issue that arose many years ago, I am absolutely satisfied that the systems and checks in place are sufficiently robust to ensure the integrity of the food system is overseen and there are checks and balances. This country has an exceptional food traceability system for livestock from birth to slaughter, and the product can be traced right back to the farm. Of course, we now have a national programme under way. We will become the first country in the world to genotype the full national herd, which brings this to a whole new level as no other country is on this pathway as yet.

Internationally and at EU level, we are a strong advocate for ensuring that the same standards are applied in any international agreements and that checks are in place. That is something we always have as a key objective with regard to any engagement on trade.