Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 Feb 2002

Vol. 548 No. 2

Written Answers. - Movement of Animals.

Dan Neville

Question:

177 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when he proposes to discontinue the 30 day holding period for purchase of farm animals; and his views on reports of a meeting of dealers and farmers (details supplied) in Adare, County Limerick. [4547/02]

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

The 30 day holding period for purchases of susceptible animals, which was introduced initially in the context of the foot and mouth emergency, was intended to slow down animal movement in order to limit the risk of spread of disease. The measure has been reviewed on a number of occasions and is applicable currently until 28 February 2002. The measure will be reviewed again before the end of this month.

In so far as dealing operations are concerned, a number of exemptions to the 30 day rule are available to assist registered dealers in the con duct of their business. These exemptions were extended recently and, subject to certain conditions, allow dealers to purchase cattle from marts and sell them privately within the 30 days and to purchase cattle privately and sell them onwards at a mart within the 30 day period.

I am satisfied that the 30 day rule is a sensible and beneficial precautionary measure in the context of limiting the spread of disease and that the exemptions in place are sufficient to facilitate dealers in their ongoing business.