Equine database - Promise delivered

Although there are still a number of reports pending in relation to the horse meat scandal, the announcement by the Department of Food that it has expedited plans to set up a central equine database should be warmly welcomed.

The outstanding reports should be published promptly to bring closure to this issue.

The new database should provide the means of ensuring the same thing does not happen again. Horse meat is not a problem in itself, provided it is properly labelled, and steps are taken to ensure that the meat is not tainted with drugs that may be harmful to humans.

In the aftermath of the equine DNA issue, Food Minister Simon Coveney promised to set up an equine database. Details for over 70% of animals registered since Jan 1, 1980, should be available by next week.

Mr Coveney stated that efforts would be made to ensure that other 30% of the data would furnish it with the least possible delay. It is refreshing to see a political promise implemented with such dispatch.