Vol. 496 No. 6
222 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the plans, if any, he has to make changes to the quarantine regulations to make it easier for family pets to be brought into the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23802/98]
The import of pet cats and dogs takes place in accordance with the Rabies Orders 1972-1976. In effect, these orders provide for free movement of these animals from the UK, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man as these countries share a common health status with Ireland, while animals from all other countries must undergo a period of six months quarantine in a premises approved by my Department. The future requirements in relation to imports are under consideration.
The recently published report of the Advisory Group on Quarantine established by the UK Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food recommends that the quarantine system in place in the UK should be replaced with a system involving vaccination, blood-testing and microchip identification requirements for cats and dogs travelling between Great Britain and the member states of the European Union, the European Economic Area or rabies-free islands. The report also states that a further period of up to three years would be required to enable the necessary arrangements to give effect to the recommendations to be put in place.
I am following these developments closely as changes which might be contemplated in the UK system of quarantine controls would hold potential for Ireland given the common approach to rabies which both countries have followed over many years. Ireland is this week hosting a meeting of the Rabies Control Liaison Group, which includes all participants in the common quarantine arrangements, i.e. Ireland, United Kingdom, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. This will provide a further opportunity for assessment of the conclusions and recommendations of the advisory group's report and of the developments which may flow from it.
