The programme for Government contains a commitment to the phasing out of fur farms. This this is very welcome because there are obvious ethical and environmental reasons for doing so. However, recent reports from across Europe of Covid being found on mink farms and the very worrying reports from Denmark where there appears to be a mutant version of the coronavirus having spread from mink to humans indicate there is a much more urgent need to ban mink farms in Ireland. Will the Taoiseach move immediately to legislate to ban fur farming in Ireland and transition those farms currently in production out of production?

The issue is receiving the urgent attention and ongoing engagement of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Minister for Health. The Chief Medical Officer has been consulted with regard to any risks that may or may not be there in terms of mink farms in Ireland and Covid-19. My understanding is that a policy position was adopted by the previous Oireachtas to phase out mink farming in Ireland. That is something we intend to progress.