Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The 2013 Animal Health and Welfare Act provides the framework to protect the welfare of animals in Ireland, including through prosecutions for breaches of the Act. Upon conviction, the courts may, among the range of penalties available to it, make an order banning an offender from keeping animals.

Applicants who wish to operate a slaughter plant do not at present need to sign a declaration in relation to the absence of infringements in respect of animal welfare legislation (such a legal requirement does exist in relation to any operator in such facilities that works directly with animals). My department is reviewing this matter in consultation with our Legal Services Division.