Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 12: To ask the Minister for Agriculture; Fisheries and Food if he will introduce the new Animal Health and Welfare Bill. [27913/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I intend to introduce a new animal health and welfare Bill before the end of the year. This legislation should have been put in place long ago. It was partially drafted under the previous Government and the work has continued since I came into office. I am anxious to bring it forward at this stage. The Bill will deal with the protection of animals, whether on farms or in homes. We are trying to consolidate animal welfare legislation dating back more than 100 years into one clear Bill, while adding new sections as appropriate.

Unfortunately, we have witnessed awful instances of cruelty to and mutilation of animals. We need strong legislation to deal with such practices. Other issues are more subtle, such as the responsibility of farmers to their stocks or private home owners to domestic animals. These responsibilities need to be set out clearly in law. It is a privilege and a responsibility to own an animal and we need clear legislation in this area.