Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 February 2013
205. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress that has been made in relation to arriving at an agreement with the authorities in China, regarding the quarantine of horses being exported from this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10766/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraA protocol for the export of Irish horses to China was signed in June of last year between the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People's Republic of China and my Department. This protocol sets out the veterinary health conditions that will apply to import permits issued by the Chinese authorities and also to the health certificate under which horses will be certified by my Department. A pre-export isolation period of 30 days to enable certain tests to be carried out will be a requirement for export.
A veterinary health certificate based on this protocol is currently with the Chinese authorities for signature and every effort is being made at diplomatic and highest level in my Department to expedite this matter.
