Central Statistics Office trade statistics indicate that a total of 335,486 pigs were exported from Ireland to end November 2002. Revenue from veterinary inspection fees on such exports yielded €98,435 in 2002.
In so far as the procedure for certifying exports is concerned, trade in live animals, including pigs, between EU member states is governed by EU legislation requiring, inter alia, that animals must be accompanied by appropriate health certification and properly identified.
Prior to the foot and mouth disease crisis in 2001 special arrangements were established by bilateral agreement with the Northern authorities. These exempted trade in pigs and sheep on the island from the full rigour of normal intra-community trade requirements. During the course of the foot and mouth disease crisis on this island trade in pigs and other susceptible species with Northern Ireland was prohibited. Since the resumption of trade in certain live animals between the North and South, and in the light of the experience of the foot and mouth disease, it was agreed by both sides that normal intra-community rules should apply to trade in live animals.
The counties which are involved in the export of pigs are Cavan, Cork, Donegal, Kerry, Kildare, Mayo, Meath, Monaghan, Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford. The numbers of pigs exported from each of these counties is not kept in such a format as to be readily accessible.
Under the North-South Ministerial Council an animal health steering group was established. Its objective is the development of an all-island animal health strategy. The aligning of policies and measures is fundamental to the development of the strategy. Until these are further progressed, and approved by the British authorities and the European Commission as providing sufficient equivalent guarantees regarding the animal health status in both jurisdictions, the need for intra community health certificates for trade in live pigs to and from Northern Ireland will remain.
For the present full intra-community trade rules will apply to cross-Border trade in live animals. Within the parameters of those rules, which operate successfully throughout the EU, my Department will continue to facilitate the trade in pigs to the North. I am satisfied that my Department has been in a position to provide the necessary health certification for pigs being exported.
