To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs what plans he has to bring forward legislative proposals to maintain animal welfare following the end of the transition period.

All animals in Northern Ireland are protected by the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 (the Act). The Act is an Act of the Northern Ireland Assembly and remains in place after the end of the transition period. In addition, under the terms of the Northern Ireland Protocol, EU legislation as listed below remains in force.

•Council Directive 98/58/EC – protection of animals for farming purposes

•Council Directive 1999/74/EC – minimum standards for the protection of laying hens

•Council Directive 2007/43/EC – minimum rules for the protection of chickens kept for meat production

•Council Directive 2008/119/EC – minimum standards for the protection of calves

•Council Directive 2008/120/EC – minimum standards for the protection of pigs

•Council Regulation EC No. 1/2005 – protection of animals during transport

•Council Regulation EC No. 1099/2009 – protection of animals at the time of killing

Safeguarding the welfare of animals is a priority for my Department and I am satisfied there is robust legislation in place, supported by a stringent regulatory and enforcement regime. My Department does, however, keep this issue under regular review. This is to ensure that legislation remains effective in ensuring that we continue to maintain the highest levels of animal welfare.