Written answers

Thursday, 6 March 2008

Department of Agriculture and Food

Alternative Farm Enterprises

5:00 pm

Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 151: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of licensed mink farms operating in each county; the number of fox farms operating in each county; and if there are other types of fur farms operating here at present. [9931/08]

Photo of Mary CoughlanMary 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. Licences are issued under this legislation only if the applicant, following an inspection, is found to be compliant with a number of key conditions. There are five 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. I am not aware of any other types of fur farms operating in Ireland at present. Due to on-going security concerns, the publication, by county, of the locations of fur farms is not deemed to be appropriate.

Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 152: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if fox farming here is being phased out for economic reasons (details supplied). [9932/08]

Photo of Mary CoughlanMary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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As with any other farming enterprise, fox farming is subject to the laws of economics. I am not aware of any plans to close the one known fox farm operating in Ireland.

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