Written answers

Tuesday, 3 May 2011

Department of Agriculture, Marine and Food

Greyhound Industry

9:00 pm

Photo of Maureen O'SullivanMaureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 533: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Question No 79 of 31 March 2011, if he will ensure that Irish greyhounds are not exported to China if and when Bord na gCon makes a submission to do so; his views that appropriate transport arrangements as per reply does not adequately answer the concerns regarding the welfare of the animals in China; and the way he envisages our national legislation and European legislation having any effect in China on animal welfare. [9876/11]

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Bord na gCon is a commercial State Body responsible for the greyhound industry. The Board of Bord na gCon is responsible for leading and directing the activities of the Company. My Department is aware that Bord na gCon is exploring possible business opportunities in China and has been in contact with my Department is in this regard. My Department is considering the Bord na gCon proposal and will form a view based on the case presented to it. Bord na gCon has repeatedly confirmed its commitment to the highest standards of animal welfare in the greyhound industry and in considering the proposal the need to ensure the welfare of animals will be taken into account by my Department.

Any proposal to export greyhounds from Ireland to China would require the establishment and agreement of export health certification protocols with the Chinese authorities and appropriate transport arrangements would have to be put in place to ensure the welfare of the animals in transit. My Department endeavours to ensure that all exporters comply with Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations.

All Member States of the EU including Ireland are working to promote better animal welfare internationally and in this regard Ireland has introduced national legislation giving effect to Regulation (EC) No. 1523/2007 of the European Parliament and Council dated 11 December 2007 banning the marketing, import to or export from, the Community of cat and dog fur and products containing such fur. The commitment of this Government to animal welfare in general is beyond doubt and is reflected among the priorities in the Programme for Government.

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