Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2012
1399. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine if he will ensure that the Animal Health and Welfare Bill does not put the productive agricultural sector and exports at any type of competitive disadvantage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38138/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra1401. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine if he will ensure that the Animal Health and Welfare Bill will not impose any unnecessary or additional costs of bureaucracy on farmers at a time when they are struggling to survive the worst summer in living memory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38140/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1399 and 1401 together.
First and foremost the Animal Health & Welfare Bill consolidates existing legislation in the area of animal health and welfare and will minimise bureaucracy in the first instance by reducing the number of different pieces of legislation in the area.
The Bill is vital to underpin and enhance the competitiveness of Ireland as a food exporter. The proposed legislation will play a key role in protecting Ireland’s image as a country which not only respects the welfare of its animals but also accords critical importance to animal health and biosecurity issues. The risks of animal disease have grown significantly since the Diseases of Animals Act 1966 due to greater movement of animals, animal products and people.
There are no new charges foreseen in the Animal Health and Welfare Bill 2012. The Bill provides that any extension of the levies, as currently provided for under the relevant 1979 Act, would have to come before both Houses of the Oireachtas by way of motion. Furthermore, the Bill only allows for charging of fees where there is a service rendered such as lab tests, inspection of a premises or processing an application for registration of premises or the like.
