Vol. 533 No. 1
96 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if, further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 348, 354, 361 and 442 of 30 January 2001, he will outline the members of the interdepartmental group set up to examine problems associated with exotic animals; when the group was established; the number and dates of any meetings held; when he expects a final report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8431/01]
The interdepartmental group in question was established in January 1999 and has held two meetings, in January and September 1999, which have been attended by representatives of my Department, the County and City Managers Association, the Departments of the Environment and Local Government, Health and Children and Justice, Equality and Law Reform, the national parks and wildlife service, and the Office of Public Works.
My Department intends to issue a newspaper advertisement inviting submissions on the topic of dangerous and exotic animals to the Secretary, Dangerous and Exotic Animals Review Group, Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Agriculture House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2. Pending the expiry of an appropriate time for the receipt and examination of such submissions and other matters which the group has identified for attention, it is not possible to state when a final report will be issued.
