Launching the consultation Agriculture Minister, Michelle Gildernew, said: "The EU proposals to introduce harmonised EU welfare rules for meat chickens is a significant step forward on this issue.

"The new rules provide a package of measures which cover the conditions in which chickens are kept and also requires additional monitoring in slaughterhouses that can be used to identify poor welfare standards.

"The Directive is therefore unique in that it measures welfare outcomes and provides for a feedback mechanism between delivery agents and the producer, thus potentially identifying those who may be operating at lower levels of stockmanship."

Referring to the local implications of the proposals, the Minister said: "I have no doubt that our poultry industry already adheres to the highest possible welfare standards. For most of our producers, the new EU requirements will build on systems and processes already in place. I am pleased to be able to launch this consultation exercise and look forward to receiving comments."