Brian Leddin (Limerick City, Green Party)
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1282. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the means by which the education referred to in the animal welfare strategy report to transfer an increase in awareness of animal welfare issues will be delivered; when the education will be delivered; if primary and secondary schools will be included; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17060/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The new established Advisory Council on Companion Animal Welfare, which will convene is the coming weeks, will be asked to advise on the most appropriate content and ways of educating companion animal owners about caring for their animals. The Council will explore the feasibility of extending animal welfare awareness into the broader educational system, including primary and secondary schools, which will be considered through inter-departmental and broader stakeholder discussions. No timeframe has been placed on these consultations.

In addition, Teagasc, Ireland’s Agricultural Training and Advisory body continues to provide well developed courses and training opportunities for the farming community with a strong emphasis on animal husbandry. Teagasc courses will continue to evolve, ensuring that clear consistent animal welfare considerations are promoted across all its teaching and advisory services for farmers.

I have asked Teagasc, to mainstream animal welfare considerations across its teaching and advisory services for farmers and my Department will further support research and education through our research calls and by supporting the establishment of a Chair in Animal Welfare and Veterinary Ethics in University College Dublin.