Roger T. Garland
Ceist:648 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Education when the report on Dublin Zoo will be published.
Written Answers. - Dublin Zoo.
Roger T. Garland
Ceist:649 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Education whether her attention has been drawn to the fact that (1) the health and safety at work inspectorate have inspected working conditions in Dublin Zoo with specific regard to the elephant house, (2) international guidelines are that no elephant keeper can work alone and (3) this is not the case in Dublin Zoo where frequently one keeper is in the elephant house alone; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Roger T. Garland
Ceist:650 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Education if she will outline the Government's proposal in relation to the long term plan for the future of Dublin Zoo and the keeping of large animals there; whether it is intended to expand further resources on Dublin Zoo; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 648, 649 and 650 together.
As I have indicated in my reply to a previous parliamentary question from the Deputy, I have no function regarding the day to day opertion of Dublin Zoo. Responsibility for the Zoo rests with the Royal Zoological Society of Ireland.
Arising from the report of the committee established by the Government to advise on the future operation of the Dublin Zoo, the question of funding for the Zoo is at present before the Government. A decision has not yet been taken by the Government on the publication of the report of this committee.