Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 385: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he intends to publish the Animal Health and Welfare Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21944/10]

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 the responsibility for the welfare of all animals (including non-farm animals) will be consolidated in my Department. I intend to submit the proposed heads of this Bill to the Government at an early date this year.