Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Department has a proud history in supporting the welfare of animals, whether through policy initiatives, the provision of advice and guidance, financial assistance to farmers to help them improve their facilities, and financial support to animal welfare charities. Last year we launched Ireland's first overarching animal welfare strategy, reflecting the Government's clear commitment to animal welfare. The strategy is backed by resources and expertise in the Department and involves dialogue and co-operation with other Departments, agencies, stakeholders and civil society. We have strong protections for animal welfare in Ireland. The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 provides a regulatory framework for welfare. This framework seeks to ensure animals are kept in such a way that their welfare is provided for.

We are also fully engaged in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, which covers endangered exotic animals, as the Senator outlined, more than 4,000 species of animals, and 25,000 plant species. Its aim is to ensure international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival in the wild and is sustainable, legal and traceable. The competent authority in Ireland with responsibility for CITES is the National Parks and Wildlife Service. It acts as the management authority that controls, permits and certifies species covered by the convention. The Department regulates the health status of animals entering Ireland. As I have outlined already, the Department is leading an interdepartmental group on exotic animals to advise on policy and regulation. I will ask that the Senator is made aware of developments arising from its work following the meeting of the AGRIFISH Council next week.