Tony Gregory
Question:281 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his plans to regulate the trade in exotic animals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8708/03]
Written Answers - Exotic Animals Trade.
Council Regulation (EC) No. 338/97 on the protection of species of wild flora and fauna by regulating trade therein has direct effect in all EU member states. A range of provisions to facilitate the implementation of this regulation in Ireland is included in Part V of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000, under which my Department is also designated as a management authority for the Convention on Trade in Endangered Species. The control regime involved is implemented principally through licensing and certification, operated by my Department in relation to trading in protected species of fauna listed in the annexes to the EU regulation. Enforcement of these provisions is monitored, as appropriate, by officers of my Department and the Customs Service of the Revenue Commissioners.