Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

The forestry Bill is being prepared. The Minister of State, Deputy Killeen, who cannot be with us this afternoon because he has another commitment, has done extensive work on that Bill. Deputy Sherlock has asked about the animal welfare Bill on the Order of Business on a number of occasions. He is aware that a great deal of work has already been undertaken in that regard. Significant progress has been made with the drafting of the proposed animal health and welfare Bill. It is intended that the legislation will give effect to a number of the commitments outlined in the programme for Government.

The Deputy mentioned the process of public consultation on the draft Bill, which was initiated earlier this year. Almost 400 submissions, containing wide-ranging observations, were received during that process. They are being examined in the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. If people go to the trouble of making detailed submissions and observations, it is only fair that they be given detailed and appropriate consideration. A number of those who made submissions subsequently contacted the Department to ask for meetings to be arranged to give them an opportunity to elaborate further on them. The drafting of the legislation is continuing. It is obvious that all the submissions will be taken into account during that process.

When I met representatives of various organisations, such as the Veterinary Council of Ireland and Veterinary Ireland, they indicated that they would like to meet departmental officials to elaborate further on their daily professional experience. I mention those two groups because I met delegations from them recently to discuss other matters. The representatives of the various bodies are keen to attend meetings so that these matters can be scrutinised in greater detail than is possible by means of written submissions of the type we all receive and sometimes make ourselves. I assure the House that substantial progress has been made with this important and complex legislation.

The Minister of State, Deputy Sargent, is actively promoting organic farming throughout this jurisdiction. The rural environment protection scheme makes provision for organic farming. Deputy Sherlock did not mention the substantial increase in expenditure under the scheme when he listed some of the matters which are covered in the Book of Estimates. The Minister of State has done exceptional work to encourage organic production in all parts of the country. Deputies will be aware that there have been huge attendances at the various farm walks and seminars which have been arranged to promote organic farming.

Deputy Sherlock also spoke about the issue of labelling. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, in conjunction with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and the Department of Health and Children, has undertaken extensive work on the matter over recent years. The Department of Health and Children, on behalf of the Government, has provided detailed submissions on the issue to the European Union. Our proposals have not been approved, unfortunately.

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