Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
814. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the regulations mandated by his Department in regard to pig and turkey farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14008/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are extensive regulations in place in my Department covering the pig and poultry sector primarily the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. There are also new EU regulations under [Regulation (EU) 2016/429], known as the Animal Health Law (AHL). My Department is currently working on a new animal health law statutory instrument to give enforcement powers to this Regulation. There are also specific Regulations that cover Salmonella control on pig and poultry farms which mandates farms to meet European targets for the reduction in the number of salmonella outbreaks. Animal welfare is an important part of maintaining animal health and EU and national regulations are in place to ensure animal welfare is protected. Antibiotic residue monitoring regulations and end user usage of prescription medicines ensure that the use of antibiotics is not abused and poultry and pig health as a consequence is also protected.
