Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 June 2024
272. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a previous conviction for animal cruelty does not preclude the granting of a licence to anyone in such circumstances who later wishes to handle animals industrially; if such a conviction will now do so in the interest of animal welfare and his Department’s credibility and reputation in its welfare remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26282/24]
View answerEC Regulation 1099/2009 on the protection of animals at the time of killing provides the legislative basis for ensuring the welfare of animals in such situations. This sets out a requirement that the killing and related operations may only be carried out by persons with an appropriate level of competence and requiring that such operatives undertake training and acquire a certificate of competence.
My Department issues Certificates of Competence to operators in accordance with this Regulation. The legislation requires that applicants provide a written declaration that they have had no serious infringement under EU and/or national law in the preceding three years. The process to issue a Certificate of Competence continues once my officials are satisfied that the applicant is compliant with this declaration. This is in addition to the applicant having met and passed the prescribed animal welfare training requirements set out in the legislation.
My Department takes the matter of equine welfare most seriously. Equine welfare is protected by legislation and appropriate enforcement action where breaches or shortcomings are identified. A comprehensive investigation into recent events is currently underway by my Department officials with assistance from An Garda Síochána. I can assure the Deputy that these matters will be fully investigated and that the full rigour of the law will be applied in this case.
