Trevor Sargent
Ceist:192 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the date for the introduction of a ban on battery cages for the keeping of egg laying hens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26992/98]
Written Answers. - Battery Cages.
Existing EU and national legislation do not provide for a ban on battery cages. As I indicated in reply to Parliamentary Question No. 53 of 12 November, a proposal is being discussed at EU level with the participation of all member states including Ireland for a Council directive laying down new minimum standards for the protection of laying hens kept in various systems of rearing. While the proposal involves a phasing out of battery cages, no date has been fixed as the directive has not yet been adopted.