Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 325: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason Ireland has yet to sign or ratify the European Convention for the Protection of Animals during International Transport (Revised); when Ireland will sign and ratify same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11938/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The European Convention for the Protection of Animals during International Transport (Revised) was made under the auspices of the Council of Europe in November 2003 and was signed by the EU in June 2004.

In December 2004 the Council of Agricultural Ministers adopted Council Regulation 1 of 2005 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations. The purpose of this legislation is to set improved standards for welfare of animals during transport.

My Department is currently preparing legislation that will give the Council regulation legal effect in Ireland, in the implementation of penalties and provide for the authorisation of Department officers, when it is due to come into operation in January 2007. The provisions of the European Convention for the Protection of Animals during International Transport (Revised) will be taken into account in the context of the proposed new national legislation.

Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 326: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if Ireland has plans to sign and ratify the European Convention on the Social Protection of Farmers; if not, the reason for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11941/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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To date, this convention, which was agreed in 1977, has not been signed or ratified by any Irish Government. Nevertheless, the Government approves the general provisions in the convention and continues to ensure through national and EU legislation that, as far as possible, farmers, members of their families and, if relevant, paid employees enjoy social protection comparable to that enjoyed by other population groups.

Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 327: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if Ireland has plans to sign and ratify the European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals; if not, the reason for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11945/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department's statutory responsibility for the welfare and protection of animals refers only to animals kept for farming purposes and does not include animals kept as pets. I will make inquiries on the specific matter raised and will get in touch with the Deputy about it as soon as possible.