Trevor Sargent
Ceist:125 Mr. Sargent asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will withdraw licences for the collecting of frogs for vivisection in view of the protected nature of this species. [26482/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 28 October 2004
Ceisteanna (126)
Freagraí scríofa
Information provided to my Department indicates that frogs for use in experiments under current licences are purpose-bred abroad and are not taken from the wild. The use of live animals in experiments in Ireland is strictly controlled in accordance with the Cruelty to Animals Act 1876, as amended by the European Communities (Amendment of Cruelty to Animals Act 1876) Regulations 2002. Under the Act, an experiment shall not be performed if another scientifically satisfactory method of obtaining the result sought, not entailing the use of an animal, is reasonably and practicably available. Furthermore, the person proposing to perform the experiment must carefully consider and explain the choice of species in the licence application. I have no plans to revoke licences for the use of frogs for experimental or other scientific purposes.