Vol. 483 No. 4
75 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will introduce ear tagging and an identification system for sheep; the EU or other obligations, if any, on Ireland in this regard; when a decision will be made as to whether there will be a proper identification system for sheep; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20701/97]
As I stated in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 245 on 12 November 1997, proposals for the introduction of a system of tagging sheep to provide a better traceability system as well as improved controls from the animal health point of view are currently being considered by my Department. The timetable for introduction of these proposals, following discussion with the various farming and other representatives, will depend on the final outcome of these consultations and, in particular, whether tagging on an individual or flock basis is to be introduced.
The EU obligations on the identification of sheep provided for in Council Directive 92/102/EEC on the identification and registration of animals have already been implemented in Ireland by the European Communities (Registration of Holdings and Identification of Animals) Regulations, 1996 (S. I. No. 1 of 1996.
