Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 September 2021
1564. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of his plans to establish a Chair in Animal Welfare and Veterinary Ethics in University College Dublin; the projected costs associated with this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42210/21]
View answerThe first Chair of Animal Welfare & Veterinary Ethics at the UCD School of Veterinary Medicine was appointed in January 2021, supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and contributing to scientific leadership at a national level.
The Department is committed to providing annual funding of €120k towards the post for a six year period. The role will have a focus on farm animals and will further strengthen the work already being carried out in UCD in this area.
The creation of this post aligns with the goals of the Strategy and the School of Veterinary Medicine's 'One Health, One Welfare' Strategic Plan. The remit of the post is to conduct studies in animal welfare, sustainable agriculture and veterinary ethics to inform policy that will have a positive impact on society.
This appointment enhances academic expertise and scientific leadership, while furthering primary and continuing education for veterinary professionals, promoting research and contributing to policy developments, and supporting UCD's key role in the newly established EU Reference Centre for Ruminant and Equine Welfare.
The establishment of the Chair is a key component of the recently published national Animal Welfare Strategy 2021-2025 and marks one way in which the UCD School of Veterinary Medicine and DAFM will work collaboratively to achieve the goals set out in the new strategy.
Societal knowledge, perceptions and expectations regarding the welfare of animals and ethical consideration regarding the keeping and use of animals is rapidly evolving. The UCD School of Veterinary Medicine and my Department recognise this, both in the context of veterinary education and research, and in the context of sectoral and societal discourse on animal welfare and ethics in Ireland.
