To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs what plans his Department has to increase animal welfare standards for the local pig farming industry.

I am committed to ensuring that Northern Ireland remains at the forefront of animal welfare standards. At present, however, I do not have any plans to introduce any changes to existing standards as I am satisfied that they are sufficiently robust.

Welfare standards for pigs, and indeed for all farmed animals, are protected and enforced by my Department under the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, and the Welfare of Farmed Animals Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012.

The Regulations transpose into Northern Ireland law EU requirements on welfare standards for farmed animals.

I can also assure you that my Department also has in place a robust inspection and enforcement regime, and DAERA veterinary officials investigate any potential breaches of the legislation governing the welfare of pigs.

Furthermore, my Department has published codes of practice for farmed animals, including one for pigs. The Code of Practice for Pigs provides practical guidance regarding owning and keeping pigs, under all husbandry systems. Codes are reviewed in line with scientific developments.