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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 6 Nov 2001

Vol. 543 No. 2

Written Answers. - Sheep Importations.

Seamus Kirk

Ceist:

292 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when the importation of sheep from Northern Ireland will recommence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26631/01]

Following the outbreak of foot and mouth disease in Great Britain, trade in sheep, pigs and other susceptible species between the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland, and this jurisdiction was prohibited.

In general trade in live animals, including sheep, between member states of the European Union is governed by EU legislation requiring, inter alia, that animals must be accompanied by appropriate health certification and must be properly identified. However, prior to the foot and mouth disease – FMD – crisis, special arrangements were in place under a bilateral agreement with the Northern authorities, which exempted trade in sheep and pigs on the island from the full rigour of normal intra-community trade requirements. Against the backdrop of FMD, it has been decided to revert for the time being to a situation in which intra-community rules will govern trade in live animals between both parts of the island.
Based on this approach, trade in the importation of sheep from Northern Ireland for immediate slaughter was permitted to resume from 30 July 2001. All such sheep being imported from Northern Ireland must be individually tagged on departure from that jurisdiction and be in compliance with EU trade rules. The importation of sheep from Northern Ireland for breeding and for fattening purposes is at present under examination with a view to re-opening the trade between North and South in the near future. Sheep which may be imported for these purposes will attract the relevant import tag requirements of the national sheep identification system (NSIS) and be in compliance with the relevant EU certification regime.
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