asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his views on the draft proposal (details supplied) for Council Directive of zootechnical and genealogical problems affecting intra-Community trade in horses.
Written Answers. - Horse Trading Directive.
33.
The objective of the draft proposal for an EC Council Directive on zootechnical and genealogical problems affecting intra-Community trade in horses is to liberalise trade in horses, including horse semen and embyros, and to ensure that trade is not restricted or prohibited on zootechnical or breeding grounds.
Given that Ireland is a net exporter of horses, the general thrust of the proposals in the draft Directive is in the right direction. Some clarification and changes will, of course, emerge before a final text is agreed. The views of the various interests in the industry have been sought and these will be fully taken into account in the discussions prior to the adoption of the Directive.