Vol. 561 No. 3
42 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the broiler directive will be discussed at the Council of Ministers; if he supports a more humane way to rear poultry and end severe overcrowding on broiler sheds, the use of fast growing breeds with their associated leg and heart problems, and feeding regimes which cause severe hunger in the breeding flock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4047/03]
The first meeting of the Commission working group on broiler welfare legislation took place in Brussels on 28 and 29 January 2003. My Department was represented at the meeting. The Commission in due course will present a final document, which will be presented to the Council of Ministers, which will then be considered at working group level. When the proposal has been advanced at working group level it will be subsequently discussed at Council of Ministers level for final decision and adoption. In general, I have always been and will continue to be supportive of measures which will improve animal welfare.
