I propose to take Questions Nos. 1375 to 1380, inclusive, together.
The information sought by the Deputy is set out in the following table.
Year
|
No. of circuses registered
|
No. of passports issued
|
2012
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
2013
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
2014
|
2 (Fossett’s Circus and Courtney’s Circus)
|
7
Nil
|
2015
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
2016
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
No registrations have been revoked or refused since 2007.
No prosecutions have been undertaken for non-possession of a passport.
No venues were required to be registered under article 6 of EC No 1739/2005 in 2016.
8 veterinary inspections of circuses under Article 9 of EC No 1739/2005 were carried out from 2012-2016.
By virtue of the European Communities (Animal Health) (Adaptation) Regulations 2014, authorised officers appointed under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 may administer the European Communities (Circuses) Regulations 2007. In addition, officers of Customs and Excise and members of the Garda Síochána are also authorised officers within the meaning of the Act. It should also be noted that personnel from both the ISPCA and the DSPCA have also been authorised under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.