Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 Feb 1990

Vol. 395 No. 9

Written Answers. - Council of Europe Convention.

John Bruton

Question:

127 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason Ireland has not yet signed the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Pet Animals; when the Convention was opened for signature; if he proposes to introduce legislation to ratify this Convention; the advantages of this Convention for Ireland and Europe; the countries which have ratified it; and if he will make a statement on any reservations Ireland has about the Convention from a cost or other point of view.

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. O'Kennedy)

This Convention was opened for signature on 13 November 1987 but has not yet come into force as it has to date been ratified by only two countries, viz. Norway and Sweden. The Convention was drawn up with the aim of promoting the health and well-being of pet animals, bearing in mind their importance in contributing to the quality of life, their usefulness to man, and the consequent advantages for society from the point of view of hygiene, health and safety.

While the general thrust of the Convention is to be welcomed and supported, there are some points which require careful consideration. The Convention is under examination in my Department to determine its full implications including the need for new or amended legislation. A decision on its signature and ratification will be made after full consideration of the matter.