Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 370: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of mink, arctic foxes, silver foxes and other animals that were killed on fur farms here in 2006 and 2007; the methods used for killing; and the number of animals that were killed under the direct supervision of her Department's veterinarian. [26015/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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In 2006, approximately 170,000 mink and approximately 300 foxes were slaughtered in Ireland. Statistics for 2007 are not yet available. Licensed fur farms may only utilise slaughter methods permitted under the Sixth Schedule of the European Communities (Protection of Animals at Time of Slaughter) Regulations, 1995. The methods used in Ireland included gassing and electrocution. Inspections by veterinary officers of my Department have confirmed that the methods used by Irish fur farms are in compliance with the aforementioned legislation. While slaughtering of mink and foxes was supervised during these inspections, the number of animals slaughtered in the presence of a Department veterinarian was not recorded.

Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 371: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she has plans to prohibit the usage of a method (details supplied) for the killing of foxes on fur farms here; and if her attention has been drawn to the public concern regarding this method of killing. [26016/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware of public concern regarding the method of killing foxes referred to by the Deputy. Such slaughter method is permitted under the Sixth Schedule of the European Communities (Protection of Animals at Time of Slaughter) Regulations, 1995 and I have no plans to prohibit it.

Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 372: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of licensed mink farms operating here at present; the number of fur farms with foxes; and the value of mink and fox pelts produced from these farms in 2006 and 2007. [26017/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Musk Rats Act, 1933 (Application to Mink) Order 1965, the keeping of mink is prohibited except under licence, obtained from my Department. There are currently 5 licensed fur farms in Ireland. There is no legislation requiring the licensing of fox farms. There is one known fox farm, which is operated in conjunction with a mink farm. CSO figures indicate that the value of mink and fox pelts produced in 2006 was €3.6 million. Statistics for 2007 are not yet available.