Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 377: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to re-locate or proscribe the Horse Market in Smithfield, Dublin 7; his further plans to introduce new animal protection laws that would alleviate the suffering of animals brought to the market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13588/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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My responsibilities do not extend to issues regarding trading in public places. Such matters are for the relevant local authority and in the case of the horse market at Smithfield the relevant local authority is Dublin City Council.

With regard to the introduction of new animal welfare legislation the position is that an Animal Health and Welfare Bill which will give effect to commitments in the Programme for Government and the Renewed Programme for Government on issues relating to animal health and welfare is being prepared in my Department. The new 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 also provides for the consolidation of responsibility for the welfare of all animals (including non-farm animals) within my Department.

I intend to submit the proposed heads of this Bill to the Government at an early date this year.