Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 576: 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. [29421/10]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 582: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when legislation to update the 1911 Animal Health and Welfare Act will be law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29523/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 576 and 582 together.

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 being prepared in my Department. The new bill will consolidate a wide range of existing legislation as well as repealing other legislation including the 1911 Protection of Animals Act. The bill will also update much of the existing legislation to ensure that the welfare of all animals, including non-farm animals is properly protected and that the penalties for offenders are increased significantly. Its consolidation into a single statute will provide considerably more convenience to all those who deal with or have an interest in animal health and welfare matters. I intend to submit the proposed heads of this bill to the Government at an early date.