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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 16 Oct 1991

Vol. 411 No. 1

Written Answers. - Livestock Production Practices.

Tony Gregory

Question:

213 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will outline (a) whether the practice of keeping calves in narrow veal crates exists in this country and if so, the proportion of veal produced in this way, (b) if he will consider banning the veal crates as is the case in Great Britain, (c) the number of live farm animals exported from this country to Spain during 1990 and if he is concerned at the revelations of certain practices in Spanish slaughterhouses made by the British RSPCA and (d) the proportion of breeding sows kept in sow stalls or tether stalls in this country; and if he will consider phasing out this practice as is the case in Great Britain.

There are no veal crate production systems currently operating in the State. Approximately 90 per cent of breeding sows are kept in tether or stall systems. Proposals for EC Directives laying down minimum standards for pigs and calves in intensive farming systems are currently under consideration by the Council of Ministers. It is expected that the outcome will be Community legislation phasing out and modifying such practices over a period and I will implement the legislation when it is adopted by the Council of Ministers.

During 1990, the following farm animals were exported to Spain: sheep and goats, 41,803; pigs, 236; horses, 70.

Proposals for an EC Directive laying down minimum standards for the protection of animals at slaughterhouses throughout the Community are currently being drafted by the Commission and, when adopted, will provide for a Community-wide standard of humane treatment for animals.

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