Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 482: To ask the Minister for Health the number of companies that have licences to use animals in experimentation; the length, terms and conditions of those licences; the guidelines that apply; and the extent of inspection to ensure those guidelines are being followed. [12788/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I would like to advise the Deputy that my Department issues two types of authorisations, one in respect of the registration of premises and the other in respect of the licensing of projects. There are 45 registered premises across 18 Organisations. The number of project licences issued in 2011 was 132 and such licences are issued for 5 years. A number of conditions apply to each licence and these include matters in relation to the care and accommodation of the animals, record maintenance, the provision of veterinary advice and treatment and a requirement that the experiments can only be carried out at the registered premises specified in the licence.

The guidelines for inspections are contained in Commission Recommendation (2007/526/EU) of 18 June 2007 on guidelines for the accommodation and care of animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes. Inspections are carried out by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed by both Departments formalising arrangements in this regard.