John Gormley
Question:87 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will follow the example of other countries and ban fur farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19174/01]
Written Answers. - Fur Farming.
Under the Musk Rats Act, 1933 (Application to Mink) Order, 1965, the keeping of mink is prohibited except under licence.
The issue or annual renewal of a licence to operate a mink farm is contingent on the enterprise satisfying a number of conditions aimed at preventing mink escaping into the wild and the general standard of management on the farm. An annual inspection of each of the six mink farms currently licensed here is carried out to ensure that an acceptable standard is maintained.
At present I do not intend to take further measures.