Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 201: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding the animal health and welfare Bill; the extent of the uptake in the public consultation process; when the Bill will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45458/08]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 202: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the section or sections of the promised animal health and welfare Bill that will address issues regarding horses and other equine species; the extent of that address; the issues that were raised in the course of the consultation process regarding horses and other equine species; his intentions regarding this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45459/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 201 and 202 together.

A good deal of work has been undertaken on drafting the new Animal Health and Welfare Bill which gives effect to a number of animal health and welfare commitments contained in the Programme for Government.

My officials are currently meeting with a number of organisations that made submissions on the draft Bill following the public consultation process initiated by me earlier in the year. When this element of the consultation process is completed, drafting of the legislation will continue taking account of all comments received.

The Programme for Government includes a commitment to consolidate responsibility for the welfare of all animals, including non-farm animals, within my Department. The Bill currently being drafted will therefore include welfare of horses and other equine species within its scope.