Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 28 Mar 2000

Vol. 516 No. 6

Written Answers. - Animal Exports.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

230 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the administrative arrangements, if any, in place to ensure that the competent authority rejects route plans which show that the provisions regarding unloading and giving animals rest, food and water contained in Council Directive 91/628/EEC, as amended by Council Directive 95/29/EC, on the protection of animals during transport are, or are likely, to be broken during the journey. [8913/00]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

Animals intended for export are subject to an examination by an authorised official of my Department prior to export to ensure that they are fit to travel and properly identified. In addition, route plans are submitted to the veterinary inspector who is authorised to sign them only if they are in compliance with all of the provisions of Council Directive 91/628/EEC, as amended by Council Directive 95/29/EC, including those in relation to unloading, resting, feeding and watering of animals.