Vol. 555 No. 2
159 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position in relation to the quarantine of dogs and other pets coming from Europe; whether it is correct that if an animal is being brought from France it has to be quarantined it if comes directly, but not if it comes via the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18009/02]
To protect the public against the threat of rabies Ireland operates a quarantine system for pet dogs and cats imported from countries other than the UK. A common travel arrangement with the UK – also free of rabies – has been in place for some decades.
In 2000, the UK introduced a PETS scheme, whereby pet dogs and cats can be imported into the UK from certain countries without quarantine under strict vaccination and identification requirements, on a pilot basis. Ireland's quarantine system was adjusted to take account of this development.
A common position for a new harmonised system for the movement of such animals both between EU member states and from counties outside the EU has now been agreed by the EU Council. Under this system, quarantine will not be a requirement for direct imports into Ireland of pet dogs and cats from specified rabies free countries provided that vaccination, blood test and identification requirements are strictly adhered to. The continued protection of public health against the threat of rabies remains of paramount importance. The proposed new system is now before the European Parliament and is expected to be implemented in 2003. Ireland will make the adjustments necessary to facilitate this system.
