Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 June 2022
938. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the use of grinders is allowed in Ireland with regard to chicks born within the meat and egg industry in Ireland; if it is legally permitted; and if any farms actively use them. [32812/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAnimal welfare is a high priority for me, and my Department is fully engaged with the ongoing review of the European Union animal welfare legislation.
In Ireland, the laying hen industry does not kill male chicks, as we import the female chicks from the United Kingdom. There is some limited killing of male chicks using maceration in other sectors, for example in the broiler breeding industry. However, the numbers are very small as male broiler chicks are generally suitable for the production of meat.
Maceration of chicks (up to 72 hours of age) is permitted as a killing method under EU law, namely Council Regulation No. 1099/2009 on the protection of animals at the time of killing. It must be carried out in such a way that it results in immediate death of the chicks.
This is a topic will be looked at in the context of the ongoing review of the animal welfare legislation at EU level as part of the Farm to Fork Strategy. In July 2021, Ireland supported a German-French proposal that asked the European Commission to carry out an impact assessment on a potential EU-wide prohibition of this practice in the laying hen sector, with a view to better understanding the potential practicalities and implications for the poultry sector.
