Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 1567: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will publish the Animal Health and Welfare Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29953/08]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 1577: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 304 of 29 April 2008, the number of submissions received regarding the consultation paper; the position regarding the Bill; when he expects it to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30203/08]

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 1629: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the time-line for the publication of the Animal Welfare Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31210/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1567, 1577 and 1629 together.

Work is continuing on drafting the new Animal Health and Welfare Bill, which gives effect to a number of commitments, in the area of animal health and welfare, contained in the Programme for Government.

Following the public consultation process initiated by me earlier in the year on the draft bill, almost 400 submissions/comments were received containing wide-ranging observations and these are now being examined. A number of those who contacted the Department asked that they be given an opportunity to elaborate further on their submissions before finalisation of the draft legislation and my officials are now examining these requests. Arrangements will then proceed with drafting of the legislation having regard to all comments received.