asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is satisfied that the inspection of private slaughter houses in the Dublin city area is up to the standards that were required by Dublin Corporation when it operated the municipal abattoir; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Responsibility for the licensing, registration and inspection of slaughter-houses in Dublin city area rests with Dublin Corporation which employ their own permanent veterinary staff for the purpose. The statutory public health requirements in relation to slaughter-houses do not vary and must be implemented by local authorities irrespective of whether the premises are privately or municipally owned.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary satisfied with the standards? The law is administrated by the Government who are the final arbiters, and is the Parliamentary Secretary satisfied that Dublin Corporation are complying with the regulations?

My information is that Dublin Corporation are doing the job well. Naturally, the corporation are interested to ensure that slaughter-houses are kept up to standard and that they comply with the Department regulations.