asked the Minister for Health if he will introduce amending legislation to repeal the Cruelty to Animals Act, 1876, and to bring experimental cruelty within the scope of the various other laws for animal protection; if there are any proposals to amend the statutory regulations pertaining to the testing of therapeutic substances for potency, toxicity, purity and standardisation; and if he will make a statement on any law reform proposals in this respect.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Animal Protection.
7.
A Council of Europe Committee of Experts is currently considering a draft Convention on the Protection of Animals. It would be more appropriate to consider amendment of the Cruelty to Animals Act, 1876 when this convention has been completed.
In regard to the second part of the question no proposals are being considered at present for the amendment of the regulations under the Therapeutic Substances Act.
When does the Minister expect this consideration at European level to be concluded? Why does the Minister feel it necessary to wait until it has concluded to comply with the simple request implicit in the question?
I understand that the convention only turned its consideration to animal experiments recently but a draft convention is nearing finalty.