Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 May 2017
1187. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of inspections of transport vehicles of exporters of live animals in each of the years from 2013 to 2016 and to date in 2017; the locations such inspections normally occur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19828/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder SI 675 of 2006 European Communities (Animal Transport and Control Post) Regulations 2006, all vehicles employed in the Type 2 export of animals from this jurisdiction must be authorised before transport can be initiated. This approval process is carried out by officials of my Department and can be performed at any nominated location with the site usually decided by agreement between the transporter and my Department’s officers. The length of duration of vehicle approval is at the discretion of the approving official but may not exceed a maximum period of five years.
Vehicles are also inspected at various points of the journey to ensure that those already approved continue to comply with the high standards set under current legislation. The locations where this extended scrutiny is carried out can vary depending on the animals being exported. Some of the sites where vehicles are assessed for compliance with regulations include assembly centres, quarantine stations or isolation centres, farms, livestock markets and shipping ports.
The Department is aware of the imperative to ensure that the transport of animals over long distances is conducted in a manner which safeguards the animals being transported. The Deputy can be assured that rigorous controls and procedures are in place to ensure compliance with legislation.
Figures for the inspection of vehicles during transport are set out in the following Table. Statistics on the number of inspections carried out in 2017 are not available but are generally in line with previous years. I will forward them to the Deputy as soon as possible.
|
Year |
Inspections |
|
2013 |
834 |
|
2014 |
1050 |
|
2015 |
1054 |
|
2016 |
765 |
