2106. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Health the basis on which the HPRA authorised three recent ALURES projects involving potential use of 1,172 dogs and 932 cats over 60 month periods; the scrutiny applied to the necessity, proportionality, and welfare implications of these numbers; the identity of the project holders, establishments, animal sources, and products involved; the number of animals that have already been used; when these uses will be reflected in official statistics; and whether she is satisfied that the scale of companion animal use authorised is consistent with public expectations and animal welfare standards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42700/26]

This question relating to animals used for scientific purposes is more appropriate to the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA). Please send your question to pqsandbriefings@hpra.ie and the HPRA will reply to you directly.