Vol. 539 No. 1
173 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will support the European Commission's proposal to prohibit sow stalls for pregnant pigs in the European Union; and the way in which he will give effect to the Government's policy in this regard. [18971/01]
I support the ban on sow stalls as contained in the proposed amendment to Directive 91/630/EC.
The proposed amendment when finalised and adopted by the Council of Agriculture Ministers, will be transposed into Irish law by means of a statutory instrument.
174 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development his views on whether the current scale of live animal experimentation is unacceptable; if he would advocate the three R approach to the issue by reducing the numbers of animals used through better science, refining procedures to reduce suffering and ultimately insisting on animal replacement alternative methods; and if he will state policy on this issue in general. [18972/01]
The protection of animals used for experimental or other scientific purposes is regulated under EU and national legislation, respectively Council Directive 86/609/EEC and the European Communities (Amendment to Cruelty to Animals Act, 1876) Regulations, 1994, which legislation falls within the remit of the Minister for Health and Children.
