Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2023
597. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which rigorous controls exists in terms of animal welfare in the context of the handling and exporting of surplus calves from the dairy sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35541/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the welfare of animals is of particular importance for the future of Irish agriculture. This is especially so for young dairy calves. My Department carries out a range of risk-based welfare inspections on farm, at marts and during the transport of live animals.
Marts must comply with EU and national animal welfare legislation to remain licenced. Compliance is monitored by my Department through official mart inspections. Mart personnel who handle stock must have a certificate of competence, following completion of a training course on animal welfare, and EU and national rules. Where breaches of the mart regulations are identified, the Department takes enforcement action which may include suspension or revocation of the mart’s licence to operate.
All animals must be transported in compliance with EU rules. Regional Veterinary Office inspectors check the proposed Journey Log, before permission is given for the journey, to ensure it is realistic and complies with animal welfare rules. All calves are then inspected by a Department vet prior to loading. Any animals deemed unfit for transport or too small, must be removed by the operators before loading starts. Vehicles are also inspected.
Since 2019 the Department has introduced additional requirements which go beyond those laid down in EU rules, as follows.
Increased minimum space allowances for calves, e.g., 11% extra space for calves of 55Kg, over that allowed in EU rules.
Veterinary Inspectors have been instructed not to accept journey logs when the temperature forecasted is 30°C en route at time of transport. Department HQ officials monitor forecasts in Europe in summer and winter months, and issue guidance to Regional Veterinary Offices and exporters up to three times weekly.
All use of sticks on calves is banned in Irish assembly centres.
The re-training period for drivers to retain their certificate of competence has been reduced from 10 years to 3 years, since driver behaviour has a major influence on animal welfare during transport.
