Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 18: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will provide a list of the registered fur farms nationally and the geographic location of these farms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7102/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Fur farming is a legitimate farming activity in this country. Under the Musk Rats Act, 1933 (Application to Mink) Order 1965, the keeping of mink is prohibited except under licence, obtained from my Department. Licences are issued under this legislation only if the applicant, following an inspection, is found to be compliant with a number of key conditions.

Licensed fur farms are also inspected to assess compliance with the Council of Europe recommendations concerning fur animals and Council Directive 98/58/EC concerning the protection of animals kept for farming purposes. These farms may only utilise slaughter methods permitted under the Fourth Schedule of the European Communities (Welfare of Farmed Animals) Regulations, 2008. The Irish fur industry is fully aware of animal welfare requirements and it has displayed a willingness to comply with the requirements of my Department.

Given that the licensed fur farms operating in this country meet current national and EU requirements there is no reason why what is, after all, a legitimate farming activity, which is permitted in the greater majority of EU Member States, should be banned. Due to on-going security concerns, the publication of the list requested is not deemed to be appropriate.