Vol. 571 No. 3
91 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when his review of the Diseases of Animals Acts will be completed; if he will review the 45-day holding period for dealers in this context; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21620/03]
On the basis of a review of the Diseases of Animals Acts 1966 to 2001 undertaken by my Department in the latter part of 2002 and early this year, I have already secured Government approval for the heads of a Bill, which will replace and update that legislation. My Department is now engaged in drafting work, which will in due course be finalised by the office of the parliamentary counsel to the Government. My aim is to be in a position to publish what will be termed the animal health Bill by mid 2004.
I have no plans to review the 45-day rule, which is an element of section 29A of the Diseases of Animals Act 1966. The proposed legislation will re-enact section 29A.
