Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 March 2012
585 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if, regarding the EU directive on the protection of animals, he has identified the body to evaluate animal research proposals and the steps he is taking to ensure that this body is independent. [12789/12]
View answerDirective (2010/63/EU) on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes will strengthen the protection of animals still needed for research and safety testing. The Directive places an obligation on Member States to designate one or more competent authorities responsible for its implementation including the evaluation of projects. It also provides that the project evaluation process must be transparent and the competent authority carrying out the project evaluations must consider, inter alia, reduction, replacement and refinement matters as well as animal husbandry and care considerations. Proposals relating to the designation of competent authority functions are currently being considered by my Department to ensure that the Directive will be fully implemented. Any such Authority will be independent as regards performance of the tasks.
