Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 April 2018
33. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a clause will be introduced in all agreements under the rules for the movement of animals to bed and breakfast accommodation that all such movements should require the permission of the owner in view of the fact that the current situation does not protect the interests of the owner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18246/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe bovine traceability system is operated in accordance with EU regulatory requirements whereby movements from holding to holding are recorded on a computer database. Under the Animal Identification and Movement (AIM) system, herd keepers are required to obtain a Certificate of Compliance approving the movement of bovine animals from one holding to another holding and includes a facility referred to as a "feedlot movement" to record to/from another holding for feeding purposes such as bed and breakfast or feedlot operations.
My Department wrote to the farm organisations recently informing them of the intention to remove the ‘for feeding’ option for the reasons detailed above. The plan is that all movements from one holding to another will shortly be recorded as a farm to farm movement type.
Under EU Regulation No. 1760 /2000 as amended, my Department is required to record herd keepers details and movement from holding to holding. The legal position is clear in relation to the parameters for managing a database for traceability purposes and the AIM system records movements from holding to holding and has no remit with regard to ownership of bovine animals.
Such issues are commercial matters between the herd keeper and the operator of the bed and breakfast outlet.
