Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy will probably have anticipated what I am going to say on this. Amendment No. 18 proposes that a code of practice may issue in respect of animals used for scientific purposes. This is not appropriate, as such animals are subject to EU regulations, given effect to by a 2012 European Union directive on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes. This policy area falls outside my remit and is a matter for the Department of Health. As such, it is difficult for me to accept the amendment.

On animal research, the implementation of the three-Rs principle - namely, reduction, refinement and replacement - in respect of the use of animals in research forms a critical aspect of the new directive in this area. I understand the Deputies' concern but I do not have the capacity to deal with it in this Bill as it is already covered under EU regulations, which regulations are enforced in Ireland through the Department of Health rather than my Department.

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