Animal Welfare Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 May 2013

Wednesday, 8 May 2013

Questions (184)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

184. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which poultry and pig producers have been in a position to comply with animal welfare directives requiring extra housing accommodation for sow and poultry units; if the local authorities have been in a position to facilitate the expeditious process of applications; the extent to which he has received any communication from the various regions in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21792/13]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I am aware of the difficulties which have been faced by a small number of pig producers in obtaining planning permission for the investment works which are required to be carried out on their farms in order to meet the new EU animal welfare standards which came into effect for the sector on 1 January 2013. In order to assist such farmers, I extended the closing-date for receipt of applications under the TAMS Sow Welfare Scheme on three occasions, with a final date for receipt of applications of Friday, 3 May 2013. In the case of the TAMS Poultry Welfare Scheme, the closing-date for receipt of applications was 12 August 2011. My Department maintains regular contact with the relevant local authorities in regard to issues which arise in relation to planning permission for the construction of animal housing which is required in order to comply with the new EU animal welfare standards concerned.