Ms Una Heffernan:

The Deputy mentioned Veterinary Ireland. Veterinary Ireland compiled a report on mink farming but it was not scientifically based. It did not come on to any of the farms even though it was invited. WelFur did nearly the same report and its protocols and research were certified by seven different universities, based on 40 years of scientific research. We get WelFur inspections every year. It is an independent body, which comes on to our farm. It can come from any part of Europe as it is not Irish but we get welfare checks from the Department here as well, as Mr. Curran said.