§ Mr. GillTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the geographical spread of abattoirs and their proximity to livestock production areas.[137556]
§ Ms QuinThere is over-capacity in the slaughtering sector and a reasonable spread of abattoirs across the country.
Despite the closure of some abattoirs in recent months, we are not aware that animal welfare has been in any way compromised by longer journey times from farm to slaughter. The welfare of livestock in transit and at their arrival at abattoirs is closely monitored.