Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 398: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason Ireland has not signed or ratified the European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals; and the action she will take to rectify the matter in view of the fact that other countries (details supplied) have. [40406/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has statutory responsibility for the welfare and protection of animals kept for farming purposes only and it does not extend to animals kept as pets. I understand that the matters relating to ratification of Council of Europe Conventions and the responsibility of Departments in that regard are still under consideration.