Vol. 545 No. 4
178 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development his proposals to introduce a passport for pets scheme similar to the one which operates in Great Britain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30579/01]
Any further adjustment to the quarantine arrangements regarding the importation into Ireland of cats and dogs from countries other than the UK will be considered only after an evaluation of the UK PETS scheme and on the basis that such an adjustment would not expose the human and animal population of this country to additional risk. The continued protection of public health against the threat of rabies remains of paramount importance.
My Department intends to carry out such an evaluation in the coming months. If it is considered that further adjustments to our current arrangements are warranted, I envisage bringing any such proposals before the Government. It should also be mentioned that my Department is fully involved in discussions on proposals at EU level which may have a bearing on this issue.
