Vol. 550 No. 2
184 Mr. Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the position regarding the movement of livestock and the operation of the 30 day rule; the way in which it affects cattle dealers and farmers, the livestock sales through marts, the farm to farm sales, the haulage of animals, the holding of animals and the position in relation to Northern Ireland; if he will make amendments to these rules; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7972/02]
The 30 day holding period for purchases of susceptible animals, which was introduced initially in the context of the foot and mouth emergency, is intended to slow down animal movement in order to limit the risk of spread of disease. The measure applies to all parties engaged in the movement of animals, i.e. farmers, marts, livestock dealers, agents, etc.
General exemptions apply in respect of animals moved to slaughter plants, including slaughter plants in Northern Ireland; cattle moved for export from approved export assembly centres – some 14 stand-alone premises-ports, plus 23 marts approved for the clearance of cattle exports to Northern Ireland; cattle moved through some 19 premises used by live exporters to marshal cattle and test them prior to export.
In so far as dealing operations are concerned, a number of exemptions to the 30 day rule are available to assist registered dealers and agents in the conduct of their business. These exemptions allow dealers and agents, under certain conditions, to purchase cattle from marts and sell them privately within the 30 days and to purchase cattle privately and sell them onwards at a mart or privately within the 30 day period. The dealers in question must make written application for the exemption, must satisfy certain conditions as to premises, disease testing, record keeping and animal welfare, must clear out their premises of all cattle at least once per fortnight and may not trade cattle from mart to mart within the 30 day period.
I am satisfied that the 30 day rule as applied at present is a sensible precautionary measure in the context of limiting the spread of disease and that the exemptions in place are sufficient to facilitate farmers, marts, dealers, agents and exporters in their ongoing business. A 30 day retention requirement also applies in Northern Ireland with minimum exemptions.
