Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 31: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the status of the Animal Health Bill; when she expects to be in a position to publish the Bill; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7058/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Programme for Government contains a number of commitments relating to animal health and welfare including an undertaking to introduce a new Animal Health Bill to consolidate and amend previous legislation to reflect the changed disease status of our nation's animals.

Drafting of the legislation relating to animal health (and also to take account of the commitments to introduce a comprehensive Animal Welfare Bill) is proceeding within my Department. In advance of its publication, my Department will be engaging in a form of public consultation on the draft legislation, which will provide an opportunity for interested parties to submit their views.