Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 415: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will introduce legislation to outlaw fur farming here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18927/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, 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. The licensed fur farms operating in this country meet current national and EU requirements.

Fur Farming is considered to be a legitimate farming activity throughout the greater majority of Member States of the European Union. There are no plans to ban this activity either at EU level or in Ireland.