Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 September 2022
271. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the regulations on the keeping, breeding, sale or supply of exotic pets, following the commitment in the programme for Government to introduce regulations; if there will be a public consultation; and when the regulations will be introduced. [47652/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is a matter that falls for consideration across a number of Departments and bodies. In line with the Programme for Government and the action identified in the the Animal Welfare Strategy 2021-2025 - Working Together for Animal Welfare, I have asked my officials to take the lead in establishing an inter-departmental group to ensure a coherent national approach to policy and regulation related to exotic animals.
Initial meetings of the group have taken place and the focus will be on regulating the keeping, breeding and trading of exotic animals. All aspects of these areas and models for best practice will be considered by the group in developing regulations including the possibility of a public consultation process.
A timeline for the introduction of legislation will become clear as the group continues its progress.
