Vol. 489 No. 3
126 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason his Department will not issue movement permits at mart sales on Saturdays in Loughrea and Maam, County Galway; the action, if any, he intends to take to rectify this very restrictive position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8081/98]
The movement permit system for female animals moving to slaughter or to export was introduced in September 1996. The arrangement whereby permits could be issued at marts was introduced in respect of animals moving direct to slaughter or export on the evening of the sale only and on the basis that applications could be checked by the technical agricultural officer against the herd files held in district veterinary offices. As these offices are not open on Saturdays, such essential checks cannot be carried out.
The implementation of a computerised movement monitoring system which is being developed is likely to obviate the need for the continuation of the female movement permit system.
