(2004/C 84 E/0439)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0367/04

by Proinsias De Rossa (PSE) to the Commission

(12 February 2004)

Subject:   Animal experiments in Ireland

What reply did the Commission receive from the Irish Government in response to the reasoned opinion that it sent to Ireland in June 2002, as announced in Commission press release IP/02/946, regarding Ireland's failure to comply with the 2001 European Court of Justice ruling on Ireland's compliance with the Animal Experiments Directive (Council Directive 86/609/EEC (1))?

What action has it taken or is it proposing to take in this matter?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(8 March 2004)

On 27 June 2002, the Commission notified a Reasoned Opinion to Ireland under Article 228 of the EC Treaty with regard to Ireland's failure to comply with the judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Communities, dated 18 October 2001, in case C-354/99 Commission v Ireland concerning the application of Council Directive 86/609/EEC of 24 November 1986 (2) on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States regarding the protection of animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes, and Article 10 of the EC Treaty establishing the European Community. In December 2002, Ireland notified new legislation to comply with the judgement. The infringement procedure was subsequently terminated.

(1)  OJ L 358, 18.12.1986, p. 1.

(2)  OJ L 358, 18.12.1986.