Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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299. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update regarding legislation for fur farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5969/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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In Ireland farming mink requires a license under the Musk Rats Act 1933 and the Musk Rats Act 1933 (Application to Mink) Order 1965. Licences, which are time-bound, are issued under this legislation only if the applicant, following an inspection by officers from my Department, is found to be compliant with a number of conditions. There are currently 3 fur farmers licensed.

I established a Review Group in November 2012 to review fur farming in Ireland. The Group examined all aspects of fur farming in great detail and also took account of submissions received in response to public consultation.

The Group recommended that fur farming 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.

My Department has statutory responsibility for the welfare and protection of farmed animals under the European Communities (Welfare of Farmed Animals) Regulations, 2010 (Statutory Instrument No 311/2010) and the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. Irish fur farmers are subject to the same animal welfare legislation as any other livestock farmer.