Marc Ó Cathasaigh (Waterford, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

78. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the prohibition on fur farming will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53245/22]

Marc Ó Cathasaigh (Waterford, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

This question simply asks when the prohibition on fur farming will commence. Will the Minister make a statement on the matter?

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. I will try to be brief to allow for another question. The Animal Health and Welfare and Forestry (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2022 will provide for the statutory prohibition of fur farming. A commencement order is being drafted, which will include the commencement date for the prohibition on fur farming. We are working in close collaboration with the farms affected by the Bill. This is a significant change to their enterprises and how they have operated for many years. We are treating the farmers with the respect they have earned and deserve. While societal norms have changed towards the practice of fur farming, these farmers have always carried out their businesses to the highest of standards. For operational and practical considerations of the fur farming businesses, we are hoping to conclude discussions with the fur farmers in the coming weeks.

Marc Ó Cathasaigh (Waterford, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

This is something we are anxious to see done. It is a programme for Government commitment that I want delivered. There are clearly animal welfare issues involved. Even if they are well kept, we know what end is in store for these animals. There is also an escape issue and mink, for example, are a non-native animal that wreak havoc among our native wildlife if they escape from farms. I acknowledge there is a just transition issue around structuring the exit of people who are currently fur farming from the industry. They were told for a long time that what they were doing was absolutely okay. The Government has now decided to move in a different direction. I fully accept that we must have a timeline for those in the industry to help them structure their way out of the business. That said, this was a commitment in the programme for Government. It is something I and the Green Party want delivered as soon as possible.

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I accept it is a programme for Government commitment. It has also been a strong commitment of the Deputy and the Green Party. We will bring the matter to a conclusion as soon as possible.