I propose to take Questions Nos. 348, 354, 361 and 442 together.
The current position is that responsibility for exotic animals is shared by a number of Departments. The Office of Public Works has general responsibility specifically for Dublin Zoo. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species is under the aegis of the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands. The Department of the Environment and Local Government is the competent authority in relation to Council Directive 1999/22/EC of 29 March 1999 relating to the keeping of wild animals in zoos. One of the measures to be taken by member states of the EU under the directive is to prevent the escape of animals in order to avoid possible ecological threats to indigenous species and to prevent the intrusion of outside pets and vermin. Veterinary certification on import is the only area where my Department has a responsibility in relation to exotic animals. Provided there is compliance with veterinary rules, there can be no restriction in inter-Community trade in exotic animals and consequently these animals may legitimately be kept in member states of the European Union.
In view of the dispersed nature of responsibilities in this area, my Department took the initiative some time ago to set up an interdepartmental group to examine issues relating to dangerous and exotic animals in this country. While the group has held a number of meetings it has yet to recommend how best to deal with the problems created by such animals. It will, no doubt, in due course address the question of legislation and the appropriate authority to implement it. I am aware of the draft legislation furnished to the Department by the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and believe that it will be of interest to the group in its work.