Aisling Dolan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge Senator Hoey's very heartfelt contribution. I look forward to getting an update on it from the relevant agencies.

I thank the Minister of State, Senator Hackett, for being with us today to speak on the motion. Working together for Animal Welfare - Ireland's Animal Welfare Strategy 2021-2025 is welcome. It is great to see all stakeholders coming together on how we look after animals in Ireland. I come from a farming family where sick calves and lambs were usually in the kitchen. My mother was a nurse. I must admit that looking after the calves and cattle we had came first. Many farmers look after their cattle. There is a cost involved in bringing out a vet but farming families do so because they want to ensure their cattle are looked after. For many families there is pride in making sure their animals are looked after well.

This week funding for agricultural shows was announced. These shows have best in show competitions for various animals. There is a lot of pride in rural communities and many towns and villages in bringing the best in quality. As Senator Lombard stated, there is so much happening now with regard to farming practices, training, discussion groups and how best to manage. We have spoken about the five freedoms for animals. Many supports have been put in place. There is much more education and training, particularly in our colleges. Mountbellew Agricultural College is now part of the Atlantic Technology University. This education and training is crucial.

A lot of assistance is needed. When we have had fodder shortages farmers throughout the country have come to each other's aid to make sure areas impacted by a loss of fodder and feed are supported. The fodder scheme is crucial. It looks to potential shortages we might see later in the year because of the impact of the war in Ukraine.It is incredible that global situations have such an impact when it comes to us trying to plan for the time ahead, both as a Government and through the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Senator Lombard is just asking for clarity on some of the figures that have been given. I hope the Minister of State will be able to shed some light on this.

It is important to acknowledge that Ireland is at the forefront in agriculture. Particularly in the west of Ireland, we have grass-fed beef farming. These are animals that are outdoors. Slatted sheds are used. An attempt is being made to protect the environment but also to ensure animals have safe spaces. It is crucial we support the welfare of animals. I am speaking specifically from a farming perspective. Farming, however, is also a livelihood and about supporting our communities in rural areas. That cannot happen without people having a livelihood or, in other words, income that comes from a farm. To support our farmers in that regard means supporting the idea of marketing animals and of being able to sell where there is a demand. There is a demand in countries for quality animals. Ireland stands tall in respect of the quality of its animals, especially its cattle and beef product.

Welfare restrictions have now been put in place concerning live exports. Care must be taken and veterinary inspections are undertaken of nearly 90% of the animals that are exported at ports and at marts throughout the country. Marts are working together with officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to ensure best practice is being undertaken in all areas. We must ensure live exports are protected and that they are undertaken to the highest level of quality possible. We are seeking to support farming families in this motion. It must be understood that livelihoods are at stake here. Those livelihoods are involved with keeping communities in our villages and towns alive. We are working together, and with our farming families, to see how that can be done best.

I turn now to the local authorities and county councils and their role in animal welfare, whether with dog wardens or looking after horses. We have the horse fair in Ballinasloe. A great deal is done in this regard by animal welfare associations seeking to ensure best practice and that we are looking after our horses. It is also crucial that local authorities are given the support to ensure they have those animal welfare positions in place, be it the dog wardens or the people looking after wild horses. As has been mentioned, does there need to be more clarity regarding the delineation between the work of the local authorities and the Garda in this context? Is extra funding required to allow the local authorities to undertake their role in this regard?

The challenge we have in rural areas is that sometimes dogs are allowed to roam. Pet owners must be responsible. Built-up estates can be right beside fields. Pet owners must ensure they are responsible for their animals, especially dogs, and ensure there is microchipping. People must be aware of this responsibility. It is not enough just to have a pet. Animal ownership brings a great deal of responsibility with it.