Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 July 2018
24. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason changes have been made to the operation of livestock bed and breakfast practice; the reason the option to apply for a certificate of compliance for movement to another holding for feeding purposes has been discontinued; and if all applications are now treated as movement of an animal to another holding. [31068/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department removed the feedlot option for herds operating as 'bed and breakfast' or contract rearing operations and now categorises such movements as “farm to farm”
This facility to record feedlot movements on the AIM system was introduced originally to assist in the establishment of stocking density for premia payments. The facility to record this movement type is no longer required. Thus with effect from 1 June 2018, the option to apply for a Certificate of Compliance for movement of animals to another holding for feeding purposes was removed. All applications received on or after that date for movement to a feedlot are treated as an application for the movement of an animal(s) to another holding.
My Department deemed it appropriate to review the application process for a Certificate of Compliance in the light of its endeavours on a consistent basis to ensure the highest standards in bovine traceability through the Animal Identification and Movement database (AIM). The AIM database underpins confidence in food supply, disease control, provides requisite assurances to consumers as to the origin/traceability of cattle and plays a key role in enhancing Ireland’s ability to trade internationally.
