Seanad debates

Tuesday, 1 April 2003

Protection of the Environment Bill 2003: Report and Final Stages.

 

The 1992 Act requires licensing of integrated units with 300 or more breeding sows. Due to the fact that 2000 production pigs would be equivalent to approximately 400 sows in an integrated unit, the amendment would represent a major retreat on the requirements of the 1992 Act. I do not believe that we want to take a backward step, a view that is generally accepted by farming representatives. The provision in the Bill that an integrated unit with 275 places for sows be licensed maintains broad consistency with those requirements and ensures equity between integrated pig farmers and those who concentrate on either fattening or breeding. In light of the statistics I outlined in respect of phosphorous loadings from 2,000 production pigs, breeding operations with 650 sows and integrated units with 275 places for sows, I believe the proposal is equitable and balanced.

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