The Government tonight ruled out a nationwide ban on fur farming but said it may introduce stricter licensing requirements in the future.
Junior Agriculture Minister John Browne said a Green Party Dail Bill to outlaw the industry was neither practical nor useful. Six mink farms in the Republic export 2m euros worth of fur each year.
Greens earlier claimed that animals were kept in cramped cages and gassed or electrocuted at six months old.
But Mr Browne said annual inspections by the Agriculture Department indicated that the animals were well cared for and slaughter techniques complied with EU regulations. However he said: "I am prepared to keep the position under ongoing review in the light of developments.
"I would consider introducing a provision in the forthcoming legislation into animal health and welfare which would require the extending of a licensing requirement to all enterprises engaged in farming animals for their fur."
Earlier, Greens leader Trevor Sargent said: "Our intention is to end this needless and cruel practice via the Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill 2004." The party said that a 2004 opinion poll showed that nearly two in three Irish people believe that fur farming should be banned.
TDs will debate the Bill again tomorrow night before a vote is taken on the issue. The Cabinet discussed the Bill today and decided not to support a ban, which already exists in Northern Ireland, the UK and Austria.