With reference to the article Neglect in the Agriculture Ministry (TMID, 13 June), I would like to clarify the misinformation published.

It is important to point out that Noel Farrugia, the Labour Party’s spokesman for agriculture, fisheries and rural development, paints a dismal picture of the running of the agriculture ministry accusing the administration of neglect in areas such as the fishmarket and the slaughterhouse.

Contrary to what has been alleged, the temporary breakdown on the slaughterhouse pork line was caused by a mechanical fault in the chain driving the swine slaughter. The fault was repaired without loss of time. In fact, replacement parts were fitted and adjustments made on Thursday, a public holiday, and the slaughtering of pigs resumed the following day.

Improved equipment for the swine slaughter line, which will further upgrade the facilities offered by the slaughterhouse and further minimise the occurrence of such unavoidable breakdowns, had been ordered weeks before this incident and will be delivered and installed in the coming weeks.

The fishmarket cold stores developed a fault in a condenser and a compressor, both parts having to be replaced. Action in this connection has already been taken.

Regarding the meat and deboning plant, it is the intention to operate on a private-public partnership basis with arrangements for cutting and deboning of beef on selected days of the week. The refurbishment of the tunnel leading from the slaughterhouse to the cutting establishment has been completed.

It is important to point out that the services at the border inspection post at the airport are being given from another post until the approval is given from the European Union.

Since it was explained several times, it seems that Noel Farrugia cannot understand that the incinerator at the civil abattoir is undergoing alterations in order that this will be able to accept clinical waste.

This is crucial in order to cut down the operating costs in relation to the incinerator and to avoid building another incinerator for clinical use only.

It is important to stress that there can be many reasons for officials to move from one place to another. Some officials move for personal reasons, promotions, and others move to new and challenging posts within the government or the private sector. The fact that Malta is now a member of the European Union opens new opportunities and challenges for Maltese citizens.

Rather than “neglect”, the ministry has a detailed action plan, which is already being implemented, specifically drawn up to address various aspects including those on animal welfare practices, hygiene standards, and structural and procedural improvements.

Randolph Spiteri

Communications Coordinator

Parliamentary Secretariat for Agriculture and Fisheries