Reptiles and wild animals provide fertile ground for the snail jokes

Is a snail an exotic pet or a dangerous animal? This was an issue considered by deputies during a question in the Dail on legislation to deal with the trade in exotic pets.

The matter was raised by Mr David Stanton, (FG, Cork East) who asked how many exotic animals were imported into Ireland each year. He was aware of "snakes and leopards being imported" and asked what measures were in place to ensure they were properly cared for.

Mr Noel Davern, Minister of State for Agriculture, asked if he was saying "snakes or snail", to which Mr Davern replied "there is no slime involved here". Some banter then ensued between the Minister and opposition deputies over the abortive "Celtic snail" campaign launched by Fine Gael.

Mr Davern: "The last farmer who handled snails did not last very long."

Mr Stanton: "I am glad to see the Minister has come out of his shell today. Will he answer the question?"

Mr Davern said the Department of Agriculture's function in dealing with exotic animals was confined to veterinary certification.

The OPW has specific responsibility for Dublin Zoo, while the convention on international trade in endangered species was under the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, and the Department of Environment dealt with the keeping of wild animals in zoos.

An inter-departmental group was set up to examine issues relating to dangerous and exotic animals. It had met twice and the group was inviting submissions from the public on dangerous and exotic animals and an advert would appear shortly in a range of publications.

"Following that it will be decided which Department should take responsibility, and if it should be a single department."