Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 March 2014
205. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine how a person becomes qualified to teach equine transport competency; the steps required to be taken to establish a training company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12642/14]
View answerAny person interested in establishing a transport competency training course under Council Regulation (EC) 1 of 2005 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations must submit to my Department detailed proposals on training for consideration for approval as provided for in Article 17 of Council Regulation (EC) 1 of 2005. In particular, proposals should include course content and samples of proposed examinations, where appropriate, as well as the experience of the trainers in relation to the subject matter. Proposals should also detail method of delivery, duration of courses and cost per head. There are currently three categories of transport competence training available in Ireland. These are as follows:
(1) Competency training for drivers or attendants transporting animals of bovine, ovine, caprine or porcine animals on journeys over 65km;
(2) Competency training for drivers or attendants transporting poultry on journeys over 65km;
(3) Competency training for drivers or attendants transporting domestic equidae on journeys over 65km.
The Department will consider proposals for training courses in any of the categories mentioned above. The cost of training courses is borne by the participants.
