Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:581. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his position regarding introducing a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses. [29961/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 8 July 2014
Ceisteanna (581, 605, 610)
Clare Daly
Ceist:605. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will implement a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses. [29811/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Maureen O'Sullivan
Ceist:610. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to a camel escaping from a circus in Fermoy on the evening of 2 July, 2014; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this is the second time a camel has escaped this year; his views that this is evidence of the inability of circuses to adapt to the nature and needs of wild animals; if he will consider a ban in view of the dangers posed to wild animals such as possible escape; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29928/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 581, 605 and 610 together.
The two incidents regarding the camels referred to have been brought to the attention of my officials. The conditions under which circus animals are kept and managed come under the scope of the new Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. My Department has met with representatives from circus groups and the ISPCA and the DSPCA to discuss the use of animals in circuses with a view to preparing a Code of Practice for circuses to be adopted under Section 25 of the new Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. I have no plans at this time to ban the use of animals in circuses.