Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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971. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of officials designated to the inspection of premises in which animals are kept. [8137/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Animal Health and Welfare Act, 2013, the Department has primary policy responsibility for the welfare of all animals, including equines and canines.

Since the introduction of the Act, 1,037 Department officials have been designated as authorised officers under the Act and can carry out inspections of premises in which animal are kept under the provisions of the Act.

An Garda Síochána are also authorized officer under the Act as are authorised officers of the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Rasaíoct Con Eireann, the Irish Horse Racing Board and customs officials. Local Authorities also have the powers to appoint authorized officers under the Act.

In addition, my Department carries out numerous inspections including EU regulatory inspections, cross compliance and as per the terms and conditions of farm schemes. Should the Deputy require specific information in relation to inspection types please revert with details.

Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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972. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of inspections that were carried out on premises in which animals are kept in 2021. [8138/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Animal Health and Welfare Act, 2013, the Department has primary policy responsibility for the welfare of all animals.

In 2021, there were on 1,165 on farm animal welfare inspections undertaken by Department veterinary officials.

In addition, my Department carries out numerous inspections including EU regulatory inspections, cross compliance inspections and inspections under the terms and conditions of farm schemes. Should the Deputy require specific information in relation to inspection types, these can be assimilated if requested.