Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 81: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to publish the animal health and welfare Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5024/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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A good deal of work has been undertaken on drafting the 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. In particular, the Bill will amend and consolidate previous legislation to reflect the changed disease status of our animals and update existing legislation, to ensure that the welfare of all animals, including non-farm animals, is properly protected and that penalties for offenders are increased significantly. The proposed legislation will also provide for the consolidation of responsibility for the welfare of all animals within my Department.

My officials have met with a wide range of organisations that made submissions on the draft Bill following the public consultation process initiated by me last year. This element of the process provided an opportunity for parties to elaborate on their respective submissions. Drafting of the bill is now continuing taking account of the further comments received.