Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 May 2021
353. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if funding will be provided for the farmers whose fences have been burnt down recently as a result of the fire in Killarney National Park and who now have no feed for their animals. [23059/21]
View answerIn relation to fencing issues directly related to the fire at Killarney National Park, the Deputy should contact the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
My Department operates an Early Warning/Intervention System (EWS), an initiative introduced by the Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Council (FAWAC) which includes representatives from the farming bodies, Local Authorities, the ISPCA and officials from my Department. Its objective is to provide a framework within which farm animal welfare problems can be identified before they become critical and facilitates the provision of emergency assistance at an early stage where needed.
The EWS's county-level operation means that its members have local knowledge and can deal quickly and sympathetically with any emergency animal welfare situation occurring on farms. Farming and animal welfare organisations throughout the country are well acquainted with its operation.
Farmers concerned about the welfare of their animals can contact their Regional Veterinary Office directly or via the Animal Welfare Helpline Call Save - 0761 064408, phone - 01 607 2379, dedicated email address - animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie.
