Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

My statutory responsibility is for the protection of farmed animals under the Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes Act 1984 and the EU regulation of 2000. The national legislation for experimental or scientific purposes is related respectively under a Council directive and the European Communities Amendment of Cruelty to Animals Act 1876 Regulations 1994. This is the statutory responsibility of the Department of Health and Children.

The Deputy is correct that the issues involved cut across more than one Department. My Department is responsible for many minor animal welfare schemes and we give considerable grant aid to the care of pets. The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government oversees dog shelters and so on. The overall issue of cruelty to animals crosses all of these Departments, but I am only responsible for the welfare of farmed animals. There is an animal welfare group covering all animals.

The issue the Deputy has raised is totally unacceptable as standards have been set under the Cruelty to Animals Act and they must be adhered to. If the Deputy wishes to raise the matter with the Minister for Health and Children I am sure she will be happy to deal with it and I will also mention it on the Deputy's behalf.

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