Vol. 482 No. 8
113 Mr. P. Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will outline the new regulations, if any, which have been introduced and enforced which demand that show birds which the Eire Budgerigar Society wish to show at a show in Doncaster are required to have their aviary inspected, the birds quarantined in Ireland for 30 days and in England for 30 days after the show; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19381/97]
The rules for import of hobby birds into Ireland from other member states require, inter alia, that the birds be accompanied by a veterinary certificate stating that the birds have been resident in the country of export for a period of 35 days prior to export and that they be quarantined at the holding of destination for a period of 35 days following importation. The purpose of these controls is to prevent the importation of Newcastle disease. There is, of course, a greater risk of such an occurrence when hobby birds are imported following a show where birds from many holdings may be present. However, my Department is currently considering whether a relaxation of these rules can be introduced in the case of certain shows where appropriate health precautions are taken.
