Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason the wording to ban fur farming was removed from the purpose of the Bill of the Animal Health and Welfare Bill 2012 during drafting stage; the reason for the removal of the wording and when the wording was removed (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44519/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Animal Health and Welfare Bill 2012 gives effect to commitments in the Programme for Government 2011-2016 to amend and strengthen legislation on animal cruelty and welfare. The reasons for drafting the new legislation is primarily to consolidate the existing legislation in the area of animal health and welfare and to modernise the legislation. Fur farming is a lawful and permitted farming activity practised in many European countries including Ireland and is governed by National and European law. The Review Group set up by me to review the whole issue of fur farming has submitted its report and has made a number of recommendations which I am now considering.