Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 September 2020
173. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which the equine industry might be negatively impacted by Brexit; the measures in place or anticipated to address such issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24420/20]
View answerThe UK’s decision to leave the EU means that equine movement legislation that pertains to non-EU countries will apply, from 1st January 2021, to the movement of equines from Great Britain to the EU, including Ireland. The Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland states that Northern Ireland will be treated as if it were an EU Member State for the purpose of equine movement.
As of 1st January 2021, the section of the Tripartite Agreement (TPA) that allows movement of equines between Ireland and Great Britain without health certification will no longer exist. This is because the TPA is provided for in EU law in relation to movement of equines between EU Member States. Equines from Great Britain may only enter the EU if the UK is listed by the European Commission as a country that may export equines to the EU (the Commission listed the UK in this way in advance of the previous two Brexit deadlines of October 2019 and April 2019).
The possible implications of Brexit for the Irish equine industry are set out in a comprehensive information note available in the Brexit section of my Department’s website.
In addition, my Department engages regularly with the equine industry on Brexit and other matters, including through the Equine Liaison Group, which is chaired by the Chief Veterinary Officer. My Department also engages with the European Commission to ensure that it is fully cognisant of the possible implications of Brexit for the Irish equine industry, given the close historic ties between that industry and its counterpart in Great Britain.
Separately, my Department is streamlining the application process for equine health certification, which will result in greater efficiencies as we deal with the challenges presented by Brexit.
