A mink

The Animal Health and Welfare and Forestry (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, which was approved by the Oireachtas last week, includes provision for compensation for the farmers affected.

Three mink farms home to as many as 120,000 mink are among those which will close under the new law and will receive compensation from the State.

Agricultural minister Charlie McConalogue said: “While fur farming was once societally acceptable, attitudes have changed on the matter. The prohibition of fur farming was one of the commitments in the programme for government and I am glad to have been able to bring the legislation through to completion.”

He added: “”I am fully aware that the Bill will impact in a major way on the three farm businesses who are currently operating lawful businesses to the highest of standards. For this reason, I am working with the farmers to ensure that both them and their staff are treated with respect through this process. I will shortly meet with the farmers and their representatives.”

The new law also makes a number of amendments to the Forestry Act 2014, in particular by excluding certain activities from requiring an afforestation license.

“This exemption is an enabling proposal that allows woodlands to be created through initiatives, other than an afforestation scheme, thereby contributing to Ireland’s targets in relation to a wide range of environmental priorities particularly climate change, biodiversity and water quality,” the minister said.

Senator Pippa Hackett, minister of state for biodiversity and land use, said: “It may help to expand existing native woodlands, create new areas, play a significant role in contributing to riparian margin planting, and have a positive impact on both our biodiversity and water quality.”