Fodder crisis and animal welfare Bill
Deputy McGrath asks why the continuing fodder crisis was not raised at European level and also seeks an update on the Animal Health and Welfare Bill. The Tánaiste says the Bill is awaiting signature and notes that the fodder crisis had been raised previously.
Yes. I also want to ask about the Animal Health and Welfare Bill 2012. The Taoiseach was in Brussels yesterday doing a good job, but I was surprised that agriculture was not on the agenda. Taxation was on it and other issues but not the plight of the farming community and Ireland in general on foot of the fodder crisis which is ongoing into next year now. I am surprised nothing has been done to raise this at European level.
Comment on this
I advise Deputy McGrath to be careful about Members of the House winding him up about the local government Bill. The heads of the local government Bill are being drafted and it is expected that it will be published during the current session. The Animal Health and Welfare Bill has finished in the Seanad and is going for signature. As regards raising the fodder crisis and the great difficulties farmers face, I confess that I am surprised Deputy McGrath did not raise the matter on Leaders' Questions this morning.
