Wool shed move ‘not meant to put buyers out of business’
Minister Smith was responding to Fine Gael TD Paul Connaughton, who said it will become almost impossible for very small wool buyers to continue in business in 2010 due to the introduction of costly and unnecessary new regulations which will prevent them from buying wool.
Mr Smith said EU regulations for use or disposal of animal by-products will be implemented in a pragmatic and sympathetic manner. The regulations came into effect in Ireland in 2003, and implementation focused initially on the sectors of higher risk to public or animal health.
Wool is seen as being at the lower end of the risk spectrum.
Approval of wool sheds was initially focused on the largest operators, who are engaged in the export trade, and 27 have been approved. “Smaller operators, who are not engaged in exporting, are only being contacted at this point in recognition of the reduced risk involved.
They are being given until May 1, 2010 to submit applications and if they fail initially to meet the required standard, will be allowed until January 1, 2011 to rectify any shortcomings,” said Mr Smith.
