Michael Ring
Ceist:154 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will review the regulations introduced on the movement of stock with a view to easing restrictions. [15232/01]
Written Answers. - Animal Movement.
The foot and mouth crisis has highlighted the disease control risks that attach to widespread movement of animals. It has also underlined the need for continuous monitoring of animal movement. In that context, the EU Commission, in consultation with the standing veterinary committee, has taken a number of decisions to restrict the movement of animals of species susceptible to foot and mouth. Nationally, in determining the extent of restrictions necessary on animal movement, I have been assisted by the advice and recommendations of the expert review group. At this juncture, I have already taken the measures I feel are appropriate to resume trade. Within this country cattle may be bought and sold for slaughter or further production or moved within fragments of the same holding, provided specified precautionary measures and permitting systems relative to FMD are observed. I have also asked the marts to propose protocols for consideration by the expert group covering the assembly of groups of cattle for onward transfer to a single destination. In addition, sheep and pigs may be sold for slaughter. There are also arrangements in place to facilitate the movement between different fragments of the same holding of sheep and pigs on animal welfare grounds. I am keeping the matter under close review on an ongoing basis.