Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 652: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of prosecutions that have occurred as a result of the abuse of animals (details supplied). [20036/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department's statutory responsibility extends only to the welfare and protection of farmed animals under the Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes Act 1984, and the European Communities (Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes) Regulations 2006.

The main statutes governing cruelty to animals in this country are the Protection of Animals Acts 1911 and 1965. Responsibility for pursuing cases under that legislation rests with An Garda Síochána, who may on receipt of a complaint investigate and bring a prosecution against any person alleged to have committed an offence under the Acts.

In addition, my Department makes ex-gratia payments annually to organisations involved in the direct delivery of animal care and welfare services to assist in their work. To date, a total of €7.2m has been paid to such bodies, of which €1.24m was paid to organisations in December last to assist them during 2007. A provision of €1.25m for this purpose is included in my Department's Estimates for 2007.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 653: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her plans to review the legislation in relation to animal welfare. [20037/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The introduction of a comprehensive Animal Welfare Bill, updating existing legislation to ensure that the welfare of animals is properly protected and that the penalties for offenders are increased significantly, is one of a number of animal welfare-related commitments contained in the Programme for Government. Other such commitments include the consolidation of responsibility for the welfare of all animals (including non-farm animals) within my Department; promotion of the highest standards of animal welfare at all levels of the food production chain; and review and consolidation where necessary of all legislation governing the welfare of non-farm animals. All of the foregoing are being pursued and the preparation of the required legislation to implement the commitments is proceeding within my Department.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 654: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made to date on securing EU approval for the proposed suckler cow herd welfare and quality scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20038/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Following consultations with the Commission services on the details of this scheme, certain modifications were made and a revised application for state aid approval was submitted to them on 15 August 2007. This is currently under consideration by the Commission. My Department is in regular contact with the Commission with a view to obtaining approval as rapidly as possible.