Tony Gregory
Ceist:93 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his views on the European Commission proposals for a new directive on the welfare of egg-laying hens. [13522/99]
Written Answers. - Poultry Industry.
Discussions on the proposal for a new Council directive laying down minimum standards for the protection of laying hens kept in various systems of rearing are continuing at EU levels with the participation of officials from my Department. In the course of these discussions a number of member states, including Ireland, have indicated difficulties with aspects of the proposal.
While supportive of any measures that safeguard and improve animal welfare, I believe all aspects of the proposal, including legitimate economic concerns, must be taken into account in the discussions. Hence we have been seeking a balanced outcome in the discussions on the proposal to ensure that the interests of both animal welfare and the producer are protected.