Vol. 514 No. 6
108 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if his attention has been drawn to fears expressed by veterinary experts that the relaxation of quarantine controls for importing cats and dogs from the United Kingdom may expose the State to diseases spread by fleas and ticks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5047/00]
109 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the plans, if any, he has to introduce a pet passport scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5048/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 108 and 109 together.
For many decades past there have not been quarantine restrictions on cats and dogs travelling between the UK and Ireland. The UK intends to dispense, with effect from 2001, with its requirement for quarantine for dogs and cats entering or re-entering the UK from member states of the European Union, the European Economic Area or rabies – free islands, in favour of a regime involving microchip identification, vaccination, blood testing, and health certification. One feature of this new regime will be a requirement to present a certificate on arrival in the UK attesting to the fact that the animal has been treated for tapeworms and ticks.
In the meantime, the UK will be introducing from the end of this month a pilot of the new regime, entitled the "Pets Pilot Project", using certain approved carriers along approved routes to the UK. While I do not intend to introduce a similar pilot scheme in Ireland, the arrangements to apply here over the coming period are under active consideration.
