Vol. 503 No. 7
64 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the Department's position on the importation of sheep; the veterinary procedures applied; the traceability and transparency criteria applied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11034/99]
Under EU legislation sheep coming from other member states must be accompanied by EU veterinary certification and be assigned to a particular holding/slaughterhouse. A separate certificate applies to each of three categories; i.e., sheep for breeding, sheep for fattening and sheep for slaughter. Details of each consignment of animals imported are required to be sent in advance to the local Department of Agriculture and Food office in the county of destination through the EU Animal Notification System.
A bi-lateral arrangement exists between this Department and the Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland in respect of sheep going to and from Northern Ireland. Under the arrangement, sheep of Northern Ireland origin may move freely into the Republic and vice versa. No animal health certificates are required for such trade and no ANIMO notifications are sent.
