Animal Welfare

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 January 2013

Tuesday, 29 January 2013

Questions (608)

Regina Doherty

Question:

608. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider the issue of appointing ISPCA Inspectors as authorised officers in relation to non-farm cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3986/13]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

The Animal Health and Welfare Bill as currently drafted would allow ISPCA inspectors to be appointed as authorised officers for certain purposes under the Bill. This would grant them the type of powers referred to by the Deputy. The appointment of such inspectors would be on an individual basis and will be dealt with once the Animal Health and Welfare Bill has been enacted.