Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 March 2007
178 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Health and Children the training required by officials who inspect laboratories used for animal experiments; the number of tests carried out to date in 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9138/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraInspections of registered user establishments are carried out in accordance with Section 10 of the Cruelty to Animals Act 1876, as amended. The Act provides for all registered establishments to be visited from time to time by inspectors for the purpose of securing compliance with the provisions of the Act. Under the Act only persons who hold a relevant medical or veterinary qualification are eligible to be appointed as, or assigned the duties of, inspector. The role of inspector is primarily one of animal welfare and all appointed inspectors are veterinary officials of the Department of Agriculture and Food. Officials of my Department do not carry out these inspections.
The latest statistics on the use of animals for experimental and other scientific purposes are in respect of 2005 and these are available on my Department's website, www.dohc.ie. The total number of live animals used in experiments in 2005 was 37,940.
