Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 April 2004
57 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent of licences which exist for laboratories which use live animals in tests and experiments; and if he will review these licences in the context of developments in the testing of drugs and other products which no longer require the use of live animals and of reports that a company (details supplied) in Glenamoy, County Mayo, may look to expand. [9201/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe use of live animals in scientific research and other experimental activity is strictly controlled in accordance with the provisions of the Cruelty to Animals Act 1876 as amended by the European Communities (Amendment of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1876) Regulations 2002.
Under the Act, any establishment where animals are used for experiments must be registered with the "Authority", i.e. the Minister for Health and Children, as a "user establishment". There are currently 59 registered user establishments. The legislation provides that an experiment shall not be performed on an animal if another scientifically satisfactory method of obtaining the result sought, not entailing the use of an animal, is reasonably and practicably available.
An experiment may only be performed by a person who holds a valid licence, granted by the authority, authorising that person to perform a specified experiment on an animal of specified description. Each application for a licence must be signed by two statutory signatories, as specified in section 11 of the Act, certifying that the use of animals is essential since no alternative scientific method is reasonably and practicably available.
The European Commission established the European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods, ECVAM, to promote the scientific and regulatory acceptance of alternative methods which are of importance to the bio-sciences and which reduce, refine or replace the use of laboratory animals. Ireland supports the work of ECVAM and is represented on its scientific advisory committee. My Department has no information regarding reports that the company referred to by the Deputy may expand.
