I wish to raise the issue of the local authority veterinary service. There is currently a dispute between the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and local authorities regarding the funding of the service. That has a significant knock-on effect, particularly for small food businesses around the country such as small abattoirs and other businesses that process food of animal origin. On 30 November, the service will be withdrawn, which will put in jeopardy many people's livelihoods, particularly in rural areas where the service is vital. For several years, there has been a protracted process of negotiations between the County and City Management Association and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, but it has not yet reached a solution. The Government should intervene and do something to ensure this issue is resolved. It is a crisis waiting to happen. It has been reported in the media today that there may be no turkeys for Christmas if this issue is not sorted out as quickly as possible.

The Workplace Relations Commission, WRC, and the Labour Court, which are agencies of my Department, are always available to intervene in such matters. I am not familiar with the details of the dispute, but if there is a willingness on either side to go to the WRC or the Labour Court, those agencies under my remit stand ready to assist.

We had better save the Christmas turkeys anyway.