A funding dispute which threatened Christmas dinners and butcher shops has been resolved, the Irish Farmers Journal can reveal.

A long-running funding dispute between the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) and local authorities which oversee the management and payment of vets who certify small-scale abattoirs was threatening to prevent the processing of 100,000 turkeys destined for the Christmas trade.

However, the FSAI has told craft butchers that it will fund the shortfall needed – around €1.2m. This will provide the County and City Management Association (CCMA) with enough money to oversee and certify small-scale abattoirs and butchers across the country.

Turkey will be back on the dinner plate this Christmas

“The announcement this evening is a welcome sigh of relief for butchers across the nation. The FSAI has informed me they will make up the €1.2m shortfall in funding,” head of development with Associated Craft Butchers of Ireland Dave Lang has told the Irish Farmers Journal.

“In turn, the CCMA has agreed to continue their inspections for the foreseeable future. This is great news for everyone coming into the busy festive season. Turkey will be back on the dinner plate this Christmas.”