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Veterinary Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 March 2021

Thursday, 11 March 2021

Questions (257, 258, 259, 260)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

257. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated number of vets needed for the additional certification process in relation to changes in export health certification of products of animal origin on 1 April 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13580/21]

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Jackie Cahill

Question:

258. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if all vets have received the required training in relation to changes in export health certification of products of animal origin on 1 April 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13581/21]

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Jackie Cahill

Question:

259. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of certificates that will be needed to be signed by vets in relation to changes in export health certification of products of animal origin on 1 April 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13582/21]

View answer

Jackie Cahill

Question:

260. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether Ireland has the infrastructure to ensure that changes in export health certification does not disrupt the speedy delivery of products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13583/21]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 257 to 260, inclusive, together.

The requirement for certification into and through GB falls to be determined by the UK. Under its Border Operating Model (BOM), the UK is progressively introducing new checks and controls on its trade with the EU on 1st January, 1st April and 1st July.

This requirement places new additional demands on industry and the State. My Department has examined data, including conducting surveys with industry on likely certification requirements. The actual number of veterinary health certificates and other certificates that will be needed from 1st April depends very much on exporters' business practice in response to UK import requirements and wider considerations. For example, business decisions on consolidation of consignments in Ireland and distribution in Great Britain, decisions regarding the continued use of the landbridge for consignments destined for the EU continental market as well as trade impacts arising post-Covid lockdown will all impact on likely certification requirements from 1st April.

Good progress is being made in the implementation of the key elements of my Department's work plan to meet UK import requirements on 1st April. Detailed business processes have been prepared, work on IT systems is on track, and the necessary staffing and training is being put in place to deliver on the certification requirements (this will involve contracted services, some additional recruitment of staff and the temporary reassignment of existing staff). On communications, officials in my Department will continue to engage intensively with industry over the coming weeks to ensure that these systems are in place to provide export health certification on the scale required.

I would urge all exporters to avail of the range of Government supports that are available, including training and grants. Further information on these and other supports is set out at Gov.ie/Brexit.

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