Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 December 2004
156 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the plans she has to review the policy of collection centres for the export of livestock; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33940/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe European Communities (Assembly Centres) Regulations, 2000, S.I. No. 257 of 2000, set down the conditions for approval of assembly centres operating for the purposes of intra-Community trade. My Department's function in this regard is to carry out inspections on premises and, where possible, to provide an official veterinarian for supervision of approved export lairages. At present there are eight assembly centres operating throughout Ireland in the following counties: Cork, Dublin, Limerick, Louth, Meath, Waterford, Westmeath, and Wicklow.
The proposed Council regulation on the protection of animals during transport, which is scheduled for formal adoption at the next week's Council of Agriculture Ministers meeting, proposes a number of requirements for assembly centres in regard to animal welfare. In particular, they will be required to ensure that Community legislation on the protection of animals during transport is known to and respected by their employees and visitors. Furthermore, all persons handling animals must receive training in accordance with the technical rules set down in the legislation. Information on these proposals and notification of training courses will be sent to the relevant parties in due course.
