Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1203. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reasoning behind the granting of compensation to fur farms that are due to close; the amount of compensation to be paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52521/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Programme for Government 2020 includes a commitment to bring forward legislation that prohibits fur farming in the State.

There are three active farms in the State that breed and rear mink for the purposes of pelting for the fur industry. These are operating in compliance with current law. The Animal Health and Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2021 that is currently going through the legislative process will provide for the statutory prohibition of fur farming. The prohibition will, in particular, impact farms that are currently operating a lawful business. For this reason, based on legal advice the legislation is required to make provision for a scheme of compensation to be made available to the three farm businesses affected by the prohibition.

The legislation will not provide for any specific amount of compensation.