Vol. 433 No. 1
187 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the plans, if any, he has to eliminate the most inhumane aspects of factory farming, specifically the confinement of sows and veal calves in tethers or crates and the production of battery eggs.
The Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes Act, 1984 was enacted to give effect to the provisions of a European Convention for the Protection of Animals kept for Farming Purposes. The Act deals in particular with the care and welfare of animals kept in intensive farming units and its operation is designed to ensure humane treatment of animals.
European Community rules have been enacted laying down from 1994 minimum standards for the protection of calves and pigs, i.e. Directives 91/629/EEC and 91/630/EEC respectively. My Department is at present transposing these Directives into national law.
With regard to the production of battery eggs, the Care and Welfare of Poultry (Laying Hens) Regulations, 1990 give effect to Community rules laid down in Council Directive 88/166/EEC. These set down minimum standards for the protection of laying hens kept in battery cages and other intensive systems.
