Tony Gregory
Question:178 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when he will ban the use of sow stalls and sow tethering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14388/97]
Written Answers - Pig-Rearing Systems.
My Department has regulations in place which give effect to the provisions of Council Directive 91/630/EEC laying down minimum standards for the protection of pigs. Under the directive, the construction or conversion of installations in which sows are tethered is prohibited from 1 January 1996 while the use of tethering in all units must be phased out by 31 December 2005. The use of stalls is not prohibited.
The directive requires the European Commission to submit a report, drawn up on the basis of an opinion from the Scientific Veterinary Committee, to the Council by 1 October 1997 on the different pig-rearing systems. This report is to take particular account of the welfare of sows and be accompanied by appropriate proposals. I have asked the Commission to bring forward the report and accompanying proposals at the earliest possible date.