Vol. 525 No. 2
354 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he has received a request from the Compassion in World Farming organisation to receive a delegation to discuss farm animal welfare issues; and if he will meet with the delegation. [24658/00]
As I indicated in my reply to Question No. 420 on 3 October 2000, it has not been possible for me to meet personally with representatives of Compassion in World Farming – CIWF. I have arranged that officials of my Department are available at all times to facilitate CIWF requests for information or clarification on the various issues affecting the welfare of farm animals and to understand their concerns on a range of matters. My officials met CIWF as recently as 14 September 2000.
355 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development his response to the issues raised in the recently published report of the European Commission mission to France in November 1999 detailing serious problems (details supplied) with animals arriving in France from here which compound issues raised in a previous European Commission mission to Ireland. [24659/00]
The recently published report to which the Deputy refers is a report by the food and veterinary office of the Commission on approved staging posts and long distance transport of animals in France. This report included, inter alia, a reference to a small number of specific instances where people responsible for the transport of animals from Ireland did not appear to have strictly adhered to EU welfare rules.
A number of matters raised in the report relate to the implementation of animal welfare rules on French territory and these are a matter for discussion between the French authorities and the Commission.
