Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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25. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps that have been implemented to improve standards with regard to the keeping of minks, with reference to the damage that can be done to the surrounding environment when minks are released or escape from captivity. [48141/13]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The keeping of mink is subject to licensing by my Department under the Musk Rats Act, 1933, and the Musk Rats Act, 1933 (Application to Mink) Order, 1965. There are four mink farm operators currently licensed.

Licences are subject to a number of conditions, including the requirement to ensure that maximum steps are taken to prevent the release of mink. Among those conditions are requirements that mink must be kept in cages or other containers of such material and constructed in such a manner as to prevent their escape, that building where they are kept are constructed so as to prevent the escape of mink.

Furthermore, licence holders must ensure that trees, shrubs and undergrowth are not growing or planted in such a position that would render the escape of mink possible and must ensure adequate guarding of drainage channels to prevent their escape.

A full review was undertaken by my Department last year into all aspects of fur farming in Ireland.

The Group’s Terms of Reference were

1.To review fur farming in Ireland taking account of existing legislative provisions for the licensing of mink farming

2.To comment on the economic benefits of the sector

3.To consider the effectiveness of existing welfare controls, and

4.To make appropriate recommendations

The Review Group recommended that fur farming should be allowed continue under licence and subject to official control and noted the extensive powers available to the Minister in legislation for revoking of licences in cases of non-compliance with a licence condition and where welfare conditions are not met. Regarding security on Fur Farms it was decided to alter the conditions for holding a licence and enhance the measures to prevent escape of mink.

Other Recommendations made by the Review Group which have been adopted include:

- The adoption of Codes of Practice by fur farmers to promote sound welfare and management practices for the care of fur animals.

- Enhanced Department veterinary and agricultural inspections, including unannounced inspections so that additional confidence can be gained in respect of compliance with animal health, animal welfare, environmental requirements, greater security on the farms and contingency planning.

My officials are currently engaged with mink farm operators with a view to rolling out these and other changes arising from the Review.