Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 June 2014
412. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason his Department requires couples who are jointly registered as both herd owner and herd keeper to nominate only one person to be named as such when both have an equal stake and role in the administration and running of the farm; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26865/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraArticle 2 of Regulation (EC) No. 1760/2000 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 July 2000, which established a system for the identification and registration of bovine animals and the labelling of beef and beef products, defines a “keeper” as any natural or legal person responsible for animals, whether on a permanent or temporary basis, including during transportation or at a market. In line with this definition, in circumstances where more than one person has an interest in a herd, my Department requires one person to be nominated as “keeper” to be the initial point of contact in regard to animal inspections, testing, identification, records etc. to sign documents pertaining to the identification of the animal and to be deemed legally responsible for the day to day care and welfare of the animals.
The designation of a person as “keeper” also places a responsibility on that person to notify the database of animal births, deaths and movements, to keep the herd register and to sign certain documents such as the animal passport when the keeper takes possession of an animal. The designation of more than one person as “keeper” would lead to general confusion, possible denial of responsibility, duplication of communication to all named parties and difficulties in prosecutions, all of which could delay immediate action in relation to the prevention of the spread of animal disease and the protection of animal welfare. I should emphasise that persons other than “keepers” who have a financial interest in the herd may register their interest in the herd as "herd owners" through Form ER1.1 and, accordingly, qualify for payment under the various schemes implemented by my Department.
