Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 114: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the action she is taking to ensure that the housing and care of animals and invertebrates used in scientific procedures conforms with the highest evidence based animal welfare standards; the code of practice governing standards in this area here; and if she will provide this Deputy with a copy of same. [41472/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The use of live animals in scientific research and other experimental activity is strictly controlled in accordance with the Cruelty to Animals Act 1876, as amended by the European Communities (Amendment of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1876) Regulations 2002 and 2005. Under the Act, each licence applicant must satisfy the Authority that they have the appropriate education and training (including instruction in a relevant scientific discipline) for the task, are competent to perform the task in accordance with the conditions specified in the licence and have the appropriate competence to handle and take care of the experimental animals specified in the application.

Ireland supports the work of the European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM). ECVAM was established by the European Commission to promote the scientific and regulatory acceptance of alternative methods which are of importance to the biosciences and which reduce, refine or replace the use of laboratory animals. Ireland is represented on its Scientific Committee.

I have forwarded copies of the European Communities (Amendment of Cruelty to Animals Act 1876) Regulations 2002 and the European Communities (Amendment of Cruelty to Animals Act 1876) Regulations 2005 on the use of animals for experimental and other scientific purposes to the Deputy as requested.