Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 3 Dec 2003

Vol. 576 No. 2

Written Answers. - Sheep Identification Scheme.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

73 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding sheep tagging; his views on the recent vote by the European Parliament in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29207/03]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

I have placed a high priority on improving Ireland's animal identification and traceability systems. I am determined to ensure that Ireland operates to the highest standards of disease monitoring and control. I want it to remain at the forefront in terms of consumer assurance and food safety.

In the wake of the foot and mouth disease crisis of 2001, and against a backdrop of earlier unsuccessful efforts in this regard, I introduced a comprehensive sheep identification system. The scheme was called the national sheep identification system. It provides individual identification and traceability of sheep from farm of origin to carcase. It is designed to be multi-functional, facilitating aspects such as flock management, consumer assurance and disease monitoring and control. The foot and mouth disease crisis underscored the potential damage our economy and the agriculture sector is exposed to in the event of serious disease outbreaks if shortcomings in animal identification and traceability were not addressed. Based on NSIS monitoring and feedback to my Department, from various quarters since 2001, I am satisfied that all elements of the system are now imbedded in the sheep sector and working well. I have made it clear consistently that I am always willing to enhance and improve the identification system and will address any operational difficulties that arise, while maintaining its key components.

A new harmonised system of identification for the European Union has been proposed by the EU Commission. The current proposals provide that there will be electronic identification of sheep from January 2008, together with a central movement database recording movements on a batch basis. The implementation date is subject to review following a Commission report in 2006. For the interim period it is proposed that all sheep be double tagged and identified individually. All recording is on a flock basis in line with a vote by the European Parliament.

The Italian Presidency aims to bring the final proposal before the December Council of Agriculture Ministers. The proposal will afford member states that have systems offering a higher level of traceability than the interim period system the option of retaining their systems until the advent of electronic identification in a few years from now.

I support the broad principle that underlies these proposals. It is necessary to have in place a robust, harmonised system of sheep identification backed up with good record keeping allowing full traceability of animal movements at all times. I have always been in favour of making use of new and efficient technologies to achieve this end, subject to practicalities and cost effectiveness. I am anxious that Ireland and other member states move at the earliest possible date to an electronic system. In the interim the current system, that operates throughout the Irish sheep sector, will continue to afford Ireland the level of protection and assurances regarding identification and traceability that is strategically appropriate.

I have no plans to dismantle the sheep identification system and roll back the progress that has been made in the area since 2001. I do not wish to see sheep farmers, marts and meat processors being asked in the future to re-instate and accommodate individual identification and traceability by the 2008 target date for the introduction of electronic systems. I am willing to examine and address aspects of the system's operation in so far as they can be addressed within the community system that is put in place.