Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
2102. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position the Government took in relation to the Cypriot Government’s proposal at the Agrifish meeting of 24 May 2022 for the establishment of a European Union positive list for keeping companion animals; and the reason there was no position placed on the record during the meeting. [42238/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe discussion on the Cypriot proposal took place in the morning at Agrifish Council on Tuesday 24th May. As Cabinet was meeting at the time, I was not able to intervene personally in the debate. However, I welcome this initiative and support this effort to advance animal welfare and protect public health.
The benefits in terms of animal welfare, biodiversity and public health and safety which this initiative could progress are very much aligned to Ireland’s overall national strategic goals in these important areas.
Both the Programme for Government and the new Animal Welfare Strategy 2021-2025 commit to the establishment of an interdepartmental group on regulating the ownership breeding and trading of exotic animals. Such a system would feed into our overall national strategic approach.
