I propose to take Questions Nos. 491, 498, 499, 501 and 502 together.
Work is progressing on drafting the new Animal Health and Welfare Bill, which gives effect to a number of commitments, in the area of animal health and welfare, contained in the Programme for Government. The Bill will amend and consolidate previous legislation to reflect the changed disease status of our nation's animals and update existing legislation, to ensure that the welfare of all animals (including non-farm animals) is properly protected and that penalties for offenders are increased significantly. The Bill also contains provision for repealing and revoking a number of pieces of existing legislation as some of the principal Acts in this area date to 1911.
There has been a very good response to the public consultation process initiated in May last on the draft Bill. Closing date for receipt of submissions is Friday 11th July 2008. Following completion of the consultation process it is intended that my officials will meet with a number of organisations to provide them with an opportunity to elaborate further on their respective submissions and proposals. Thereafter, arrangements will proceed with drafting of the Bill taking account of the submissions received.