Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Oct 2001

Vol. 542 No. 5

Written Answers. - Live Animal Imports.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

241 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the extent to which exotic animals are imported into this country; if all such imports are disease free; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25291/01]

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

My colleague the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands is responsible for the administration of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species – CITES. While internationally there is a significant trade in endangered species, there is only a small trade in such species into Ireland. This is borne out by the total number of certificates and permits issued by the national parks and wildlife division of Dúchas in 2000 – 42 such permits in total.

The import of live animals, including exotic, as opposed to endangered species, to this country from other EU member states is governed by a number of EU directives, which establish the animal health conditions for such trade. Any such animals imported into Ireland must comply with the terms of these directives and, where appropriate, must be accompanied by the health certificate laid down in the relevant directive certifying freedom from stated diseases. Such trade is limited in the main to zoos, wildlife parks and pet shops. Imports by individuals are rare, are usually due to a change of residence and must in any event comply with the health certificate requirements laid down in the Council directives.

In relation to the import of such species from third countries, bilateral rules apply. In all instances these are as a minimum to the health rules which apply to intracommunity trade in such species.