Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 April 2004
251 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the plans he has to review section 29A of the Diseases of Animals Act 1966 and the associated 45 holding period for dealers; when he intends to publish the animal health Bill 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11968/04]
View answerHaving received the necessary Government approval, my Department is working on drafting an animal health Bill to consolidate and update the Diseases of Animals Act 1966 and sequential legislation. When this work has been brought to an advanced stage the Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel will be involved in concluding the drafting of the Bill.
The Department of Agriculture and Food is considering all existing provisions of the Diseases of Animals Act 1966 to determine whether and to what extent they need to be changed. I intend to bring forward legislation that can serve the country well in the years ahead and that will strengthen the means available to the Government to protect and enhance the health status of our herds, flocks, etc. Not only will this entail having the most effective possible legislative means of dealing with real or potential animal disease threats which may emerge, but it also involves providing a modern legislative environment within which good practice in agriculture, livestock farming, animal husbandry, bio-security trading, marketing, etc. can be promoted and supported. Notwithstanding the fact that the provisions of the 1966 Act are being reviewed in the course of drafting the animal health Bill, it will continue to be important to maintain a distinction between dealers and others involved with livestock. I expect to be in a position to publish the animal health Bill early in 2005.
