Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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126. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which pig and poultry producers have been able to upgrade their accommodation in line with animal welfare regulations; if any specific issues remain outstanding in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41997/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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At the time that the new Animal Welfare Regulations were being introduced, Pig and Poultry producers were able to avail of grants designed to improve the standards of animal welfare in sow housing and for poultry production. These schemes were co-funded by my Department and the EU under the Rural Development Programme . Pig farmers were able to convert loose housing for sows and poultry producers were assisted in the conversion to enriched cages, free range or barn systems to meet the standards laid down in the relevant EU directives on animal welfare.

The new TAMS II Scheme which is funded under the Rural Development Plan 2014 - 2020 includes a specific scheme for Pig and Poultry Producers which supports farmers wishing to purchase new equipment for the upgrading of pig and poultry units on their farms.