Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 May 2004
11 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the outcome of discussions with his EU colleagues on the broiler directive in view of the health and welfare problems associated with the majority of the 68 million broilers reared here which are kept intensively in sheds holding up to 30,000 birds each.[14824/04]
View answerPrimary responsibility for the welfare of animals, including broilers, lies with the owner or keeper of the animals. Owners and keepers are obliged to take all reasonable steps to ensure the welfare of animals under their care and to ensure that such animals are not caused any unnecessary pain, suffering or injury. The welfare of animals kept for farming purposes, including broilers, is covered in legislation by the European Communities (Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes) Regulations 2000 and the Protection of Animals Act 1911, as amended.
There are no proposals before the EU Council of Agriculture Ministers relating to the broiler sector. However, a number of meetings of an EU Commission working group on broiler welfare legislation have taken place since the beginning of last year with a view to formulating proposals. The Department of Agriculture and Food has been represented at these meetings.
The Commission will formulate a document which will be presented to the Council of Agriculture Ministers. Ireland's perspective will be brought to bear at both official and political level as the matter progresses. In general, we have always been and will continue to be supportive of measures which will improve welfare for animals.
There is a broiler directive and as with the previous parliamentary question, directives tend not to go away. If we have dragged our heels on the nitrates directive since 1991 and now find ourselves against the wire, has the Minister learned any lessons? In our role of EU Presidency, will the Minister take some initiative in implementing the broiler directive so we will not have to seek a derogation at a later time? Will the Minister take account of strong consumer support for implementing a directive aimed at improving welfare in that sector? Why is it not on the agenda given that directive is already there?
There is no dragging of heels by the Minister for Agriculture and Food or his Department on this issue. I hope we can count on Deputy Sargent's support for this directive and the nitrates one, and that we can work to achieve a consensus that is in everyone's best interests.
I am in favour of upholding the law.
The aim of the proposed directive on broilers will be to protect the welfare of broilers specifically. It will be based on the March 2000 report by the scientific committee on animal health and welfare. The requirements of the proposed directive will be in addition to those of COM 98/58. The draft proposals are being examined at technical Commission working group level. The Commission must still carry out its impact assessment. The Commission has also held discussions with representatives of various parties, namely, Compassion in World Farming, COGECA, the Federation of European Veterinarians and others. It cannot be put on the agenda until the technical and other groups involved have completed their work and a report is forwarded. Only then can the Council of Agriculture Ministers give it consideration.
What level of inspection, if any, is there for the welfare of broilers under the conditions described by Deputy Sargent? Are there any sanctions if the owner or manager is found to be in breach of good animal welfare practice? Are there any controls over this area in the absence of a directive?
The inspectorate staff for this area are excellent and have a unique track record for focused professionalism. The staff do a fine job on behalf of the country. Under the Protection of Animals Act 1911 and under various EU regulations, prosecution is possible against those not adhering to proper care for animals.
Have any prosecutions been taken or sanctions imposed?
I am unable to answer that question now. I could try to ascertain this for the Deputy. I am sure the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform will have some information.
From 1911.
