Billy Timmins
Question:162 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when he plans to change the sheep register system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18594/02]
Written Answers. - Animal Identification Scheme.
I remain fully committed to the principles of the national sheep identification system, NSIS, which provides the means by which each animal in the national flock can be identified and traced from birth to carcase with ensuing benefits in areas such as disease monitoring and control, consumer assurance, flock management etc. Based on its own monitoring, my Department believes all aspects of NSIS including the register are generally working well.
I have always made it clear that specific difficulties which flock owners may encounter will be examined with a view to resolving such difficulties within the key parameters of the system. In this context, my Department is examining concerns expressed by flock owners relating to aspects of NSIS as well as a submission received in recent days from the Irish Farmers Association. Adjustments can be considered which will address the identified concerns in a manner which maintains the integrity of both the identification and traceability dimensions of NSIS and which also take account of forthcoming proposals from the EU Commission.