James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 194: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will engage in full consultation with all stakeholders before the proposed animal health and welfare Bill is published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13304/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Drafting of the Animal Health and Welfare Bill, which gives effect to commitments in the Programme for Government and the Renewed Programme for Government on issues relating to animal health and welfare is ongoing in my Department. The legislation will amend and consolidate legislation in the area of animal health, particularly to reflect the changed disease status of our animals. Existing legislation will also be updated to ensure that the welfare of all animals, including non-farm animals, is properly protected and that the penalties for offenders are increased significantly. The Bill will provide any necessary statutory basis to give effect to the commitment in the Programme for Government that responsibility for welfare of all animals (including non-farm animals) be consolidated in my Department.

My officials have met with a wide range of organisations that made submissions following the public consultation process initiated by me on the Bill. The views expressed are being considered in the context of the drafting of the Bill. I intend to submit the proposed heads of this Bill to the Government at an early date.