Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 130: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the Animal Health and Welfare Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32612/11]

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 134: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding a timeframe for the Animal Health and Welfare Bill (details supplied) [32589/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 130 and 134 together.

The Programme for Government 2011 contains a commitment to amend and strengthen legislation on animal cruelty and animal welfare. The main vehicle to fulfil this commitment will be the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which is a comprehensive piece of legislation providing a broad basis for regulating the related but distinct areas of animal health and welfare and consolidating animal welfare legislation dating back more than 100 years into a single statute.

Drafting of the Bill is ongoing with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel and it is my intention to publish the Bill at an early date.