Vol. 455 No. 8
371 Mr. H. Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the date and terms on which a person (details supplied) was appointed by his Department to assist in the discharge of its responsibilities in relation to animal welfare at Dublin Zoo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13290/95]
372 Mr. H. Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry when he received the report on Dublin Zoo, by Doctor Anthony Greenwood; if he will publish the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13291/95]
373 Mr. H. Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the work carried out by his Department in relation to Dublin Zoo; the steps, if any, taken or the persons appointed to oversee the maintenance of animal health and welfare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13292/95]
375 Mr. H. Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he intends to fulfill his obligation to appoint an independent committee or group to assist and/or oversee his Departments responsibilities in relation to Dublin Zoo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13294/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 371, 372, 373 and 375 together.
Under the plan for the future of Dublin Zoo approved by the Government the role of monitoring animal welfare at the Zoo was assigned to my Department. The question of an independent committee to assist in this function did not arise. I have, therefore, put a system of inspectors by my Department's veterinary inspectors in place with a view to ensuring satisfactory animal welfare standards. I intend to ensure that the well-being of the animals will be regularly and carefully monitored.
In addition, I have retained an independent zoo expert from the UK, Dr. Andrew Greenwood, to act as consultant inspector and to make recommendations as appropriate. His function is to advise my Department on an on-going basis and it was not envisaged that he would prepare a particular report for publication. Dr. Greenwood was engaged on 26 January 1995 and details of the terms of engagement were set out in reply to a Dáil Question on 27 June last.
