Debate contribution: Mandatory Use of Closed Circuit Television in Slaughterhouses Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026
Debate contribution by Mr Gareth Wilson on .
- MLA
- Mr Gareth Wilson
- Party at the time
- Democratic Unionist Party
- Date
- 29 June 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution
- Business
- Executive Committee Business
- Heading
- Mandatory Use of Closed Circuit Television in Slaughterhouses Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5645209
Read the official Assembly record
Text
At its core, this is a practical and proportionate step to strengthen animal welfare, improve public confidence and bring Northern Ireland into line with the rest of the United Kingdom. For some time now, there has been a gap in our regulatory framework. While England introduced similar measures in 2018, with Scotland and Wales following in 2021 and 2024 respectively, Northern Ireland has remained the only UK jurisdiction without mandatory CCTV requirements in slaughterhouses. The regulations address that gap in a sensible and balanced way. They require slaughterhouse operators to install CCTV systems in all areas where live animals are present, ensuring a clear and complete record of operations. They also require footage to be retained for a minimum of 90 days and made available to authorised officers for inspection where necessary. In so doing, the regulations are not about creating an additional burden for the sake of it. Rather, they are about strengthening transparency, improving standards and giving regulators the tools that they need to enforce the high levels of animal welfare that the public rightly expect. We are, rightly, proud of the high quality of food that we produce in Northern Ireland, and it is right and proper that we aspire to our food being produced to a high ethical standard. It is worth noting that most of the industry is ahead of the legislation. The majority of slaughterhouses here already operate some form of CCTV system, often driven by retailer requirements and assurance schemes. This legislation creates consistency, putting all operators on the same footing and ensuring that there are clear, enforceable standards across the board. There is public and stakeholder backing for this approach. The Department's consultation showed support for mandatory CCTV, including support for full coverage and the 90-day retention period. That reflects a wider expectation that high animal welfare standards must be demonstrated, not simply assumed. This is a measured and common-sense step forward. It supports animal welfare, enhances transparency, aligns us with the rest of the UK and ensures a consistent regulatory approach across the sector. I am happy to support the motion.
350 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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