Vol. 549 No. 3
153 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development his proposals to reduce numbers of personnel handling cattle to seller, auctioneer and buyer as reported; his views on whether such policy where Department registration is required for third party purchasing of cattle will end the participation of many small farmers in the cattle trade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6714/02]
In the context of disease control, the principal trigger for spread of disease is deemed to be animal movement, particularly continuous movement or movement involving multiple source contacts or destinations. Apart from the 30 day holding provision, I have no other proposals to reduce the numbers of personnel handling cattle. However, it is of vital importance to register the participation of all parties involved in animal movement since, in the event of a disease outbreak, they would be an essential element in any tracing operation.
In any event, there is a legal requirement under Directive 97/12/EC to register livestock dealers, including "brass-plate" dealers or agents who procure animals on behalf of another person. The registration process for agents is very straightforward and I do not consider that it will detract from the participation of many small farmers in the cattle trade.
To clarify matters in respect of small farmers, I confirm that there is no need for registration of the occasional procurer of an animal on behalf of a family member, friend or neighbour. However, agents or farmers who acquire animals on a regular basis have to be registered and their involvement in animal movements recorded for the aforementioned reasons.
