Pat Carey
Question:111 Mr. P. Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the plans, if any, he has to introduce legislation to control the importation of exotic and wild animals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13001/98]
Written Answers. - Proposed Legislation.
Trevor Sargent
Question:112 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the plans, if any, he has to introduce legislation controlling the importation and abuse of exotic animals; his views on the proposed legislation drafted by the ISPCA on this trade which is often unlicensed and unauthorised as well as being inhumane and endangering rare species further. [13154/98]
Ulick Burke
Question:126 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the action, if any, he will take or the new legislation, if any, he will introduce in order to control the importation of exotic and dangerous animals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12858/98]
Seán Barrett
Question:144 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the plans, if any, he has to introduce legislation to prevent the importation of dangerous wild animals; and the proposals, if any, he received from the ISPCA in this regard. [12999/98]
Seán Power
Question:145 Mr. Power asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the concern that exists in relation to the increased importation of exotic and dangerous wild animals; if he is considering the introduction of legislation to deal with the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13000/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 111, 112, 126, 144 and 145 together.
My responsibility for such animals relates to the animal-health conditions governing their importation, which are fully enforced. From an animal welfare viewpoint, the Protection of Animals Acts, 1911 and 1965, govern the welfare of all animals, domestic or wild, and the Garda Síochána are responsible for their enforcement. The question of legislation specifically covering exotic or dangerous wild animals involves a number of different Departments as the issue is basically one of public nuisance and danger to humans. My Department has already proposed and will pursue the setting up of an interdepartmental committee to agree future policy. Officials of my Department met representatives of the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recently in relation to exotic and dangerous wild animals.