Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 5 Dec 2000

Vol. 527 No. 3

Written Answers. - Livestock Imports.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

The position is that all cattle imported into Ireland are subject to strict regulation. The export of cattle from the UK has been prohibited since March 1996.

Under EU legislation all cattle movements between member states must be notified under the Animo system. Cattle must be accompanied by veterinary certification confirming that they comply with the stringent animal and public health requirements under Directive 64/432/EEC, as amended. The cattle are currently imported through a single entry point and they are subject to a documentary check on arrival. A physical check is carried out by Departmental staff on the animals at their point of destination, including for certain animal diseases. In accordance with EU legislation and since September 1998 the cattle retain their country of origin animal identification and they are issued with special red passports. Prior to this date, the cattle were assigned with a special series of eartag numbers. The animal movements are recorded on the passports and notified to the animal tracing system.

Cattle from third countries may be imported only from countries which have been specifically approved by EU veterinary officials. Such cattle are imported through approved border inspection points and they must be accompanied by animal and public health certification conforming to EU requirements. The list of approved countries exporting to the EU is subject to continuous monitoring and review. Ireland imports only a small number of cattle from Canada for breeding purposes. These animals are subject to documentary, physical and identification checks at the point of import. They are further subject to post importation checks at the point of destination, including isolation and detention for specified periods and tested for a range of animal diseases. The animals are assigned a special individual red numeric eartag and a red passport. Again the animal movements are recorded on the passport and notified to the animal tracing system.