NEW control measures to provide greater reassurance for consumers and customers about the origin of cattle and beef slaughtered or exported were announced by the Minister for Agriculture yesterday.
Mr Yates announced that from September 16th, there will be movement permits for cows and heifers. All female cattle moving from marts and farms to slaughter (both export and domestic plants), ports of embarkation and export assembly points will have to be accompanied by movement permits issued by District Veterinary Offices.
Computer inquiry facilities are being installed at meat export plants, ports of embarkation and export assembly points to assist Department personnel in validating the status of all male animals presented for slaughter and/or export.
He said arrangements were in place in relation to securing additional information on cattle and suppliers of cattle at factory level. A computerised system will soon be set up to bring together data from a wide variety of sources.
Mr Yates said the new measures represented a significant step in meeting market and consumer requirements for improved controls, and greater assurances as to the origins of cattle and beef.
These were not the final arrangements, and he will also introduce a comprehensive tracing system. He was confident he would receive the full backing of the industry for the new measures, which were essential to ensure the continued development of the Irish cattle and beef industry.