Animal Welfare

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 November 2017

Wednesday, 15 November 2017

Questions (194)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

194. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to bring all animal related legislation under the responsibility of one Department rather than three separate Departments as is currently the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48302/17]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The key change introduced into the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 was to bring all aspects of animal welfare under the policy remit of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. This has led to improved enforcement of the law in the area of animal welfare. My officials have been assisted in this work by authorised officers of other State bodies and from a number of animal welfare charities. There are no plans to go beyond this change at the present time.