Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 150: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position with regard to the animal welfare Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43973/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Work is continuing on drafting the new Animal Health and Welfare Bill, which is intended to give 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 have now been examined. A number of those who made submissions asked that they be given an opportunity to elaborate further on their submissions before finalisation of the draft legislation and my officials are now in the process of meeting with those organisations. Arrangements will then proceed with drafting of the legislation having regard to all comments received.