Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:195 Mr. O'Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he intends to introduce a ban on fur farming here. [6400/03]
Written Answers - Fur Farming.
Fur farming is a legitimate farming activity in this country. Under the Musk Rats Act 1933 (Application to Mink) Order 1965, the keeping of mink is prohibited except under licence from my Department. Licences are issued under this legislation only if the applicant, following an inspection carried out by officials from my Department, is found to be compliant with a number of key conditions. My Department continues to keep in close contact with the fur industry and to monitor the operation of the licensed fur farms. There are no plans to ban fur farming in Ireland. Fur farming is permitted in all other member states of the European Union with the exception of the United Kingdom and Austria.