Vol. 484 No. 3
147 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the proposals, if any, for the implementation of micro identification for horses and the procedure for implanting these in each animal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21899/97]
The Control of Horses Regulations, 1997 (S. I. No. 171 of 1997), made on 24 April 1997, prescribe, inter alia, the use of a microelectronic system for the identification of horses in control areas under the Control of Horses Act, 1996. These regulations provide for identification by the implantation of a microelectronic device in the neck of the animal by, or under the direct supervision of, a veterinary surgeon. My Department has already, as required, approved a number of suppliers of such devices. The implementation of the regulations is a matter for the local authorities, which have been given the primary responsibility for operating the Act.
I have arranged for a copy of the regulations to be sent to the Deputy.
