Early Warning/Intervention System (EWS)
The Early Warning/Intervention System (EWS) is an initiative, which was introduced in 2004 by FAWAC involving the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Marine, the Irish Farmers' Association and the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The objective of this system is to provide a framework within which farm animal welfare problems can be identified before they become critical or overwhelming. This has proved to be a very successful animal welfare initiative – and the positive approach adopted by its participants –has brought a greater awareness to the diverse causes of animal welfare problems and has allowed for intervention at an earlier stage thereby preventing chronic welfare scenarios to develop for at risk animals. EWS is now operating throughout the country.
The scheme has been one of the most successful animal welfare initiatives with which the Department has been involved in recent years and proves the benefit of a collaborative approach to deal with issues in which all parties have a keen interest. Efforts continue to be made to extend the involvement of other agencies that may have a role to play. These include An Garda Síochána, the Health Service Executive, the Local Authority Veterinary Service and the Private Veterinary Practitioners.
MEMBERS OF STEERING GROUP ON CO-OPERATION
Mr Dermot Murphy, Chairman, (DAFM)
Ms Brid Farrell, Vice Chair, (DAFM)
Mr Michael Flynn, (IFA)
Mr Pat Murray, (IFA)
Mr Sean O'Leary, (IFA)
Ms Elizabeth Tilson, (IFA)
Ms Barbara Bent, (Wexford SPCA)
Mr Noel Griffin, (ISPCA)
Mr Conor Dowling, (ISPCA)
Mr Niall O'Nuallain, (DAFM)
Mr Garry O'Hagan, (DAFM)
Ms Irene Dunne, Secretary, (DAFM)
EWS Regional Members 2012 (doc 21Kb)
EWS Nominees Chart 2014 (doc 21Kb)
FAWAC Member Update (doc 14Kb)