Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 December 2013
194. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which pig and poultry producers have been able to upgrade their accommodation in line with animal welfare regulations; if any specific issues remain outstanding in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53583/13]
View answerThe new EU animal welfare rules for the pig sector came into force on 1 January 2013. Grant-aid was made available under the TAMS Sow Welfare Scheme in order to assist farmers to bring their facilities up to the standards required by the new rules.
As a small number of farmers were unable to complete the investment works concerned by the previous closing date of end-September 2013, I recently agreed to extend the deadline concerned until end-February 2014. This will be the final extension for completion of work and lodgement of a payment claim under the above-mentioned Scheme. Farmers will be aware that it is an offence to keep pigs in non-compliant housing after 1 January 2013.
