Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
1957. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of sheep farmers that are of the view that lambs going direct from the holding of birth to slaughter should be fully exempt from electronic identification, EID, tagging in the incoming mandatory extension of EID tagging to all sheep; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34104/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current national sheep identification system has been in place since 2010. It is widely acknowledged to be very complex, with an over reliance on the manual transcription of individual sheep identification numbers at all stages of production. Errors in the transcription process can result in loss of traceability, particularly in the case of batches of sheep that have originated from a number of flocks of origin. The extension of electronic identification will result in a simplified system that minimises transcription for keepers and enhances the traceability system.
It is accepted that the changes will have a cost implication for farmers. In that regard I have announced a one off tag subsidy of up to €50 per keeper for the first purchase of tags. Furthermore I announced that electronic tag readers and associated software are included as eligible investments in the Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) to assist sheep farmers in flock management. I do appreciate that tag readers are not a requirement for the new sheep identification scheme.
I am aware of the concerns of some farmers who are of the view that lambs going direct from the holding of birth to slaughter should be fully exempt from EID tagging. The primary reason for seeking EID for all sheep including those going direct to slaughter is that it allows for the accurate electronic recording of all sheep identification numbers which is essential for an effective traceability system which provides quick and effective trace back in the event of any disease outbreak.
This is also required to protect Ireland’s disease status and to provide for a more robust traceability system which will put Ireland on a level playing field with other countries when trying to maintain existing markets and secure new markets for Irish sheep meat. In that regard I have engaged in a number of trade missions in the last number of years in an effort to open further markets for Irish sheep meat and electronic identification has been highlighted as a requirement for further progress in that regard.
My officials or I have met with stakeholders in the sheep industry and engaged in consultation on the implementation of EID. A number of submissions have been made on the matter and I will consider the views expressed by all parties and expect to be in a position to respond soon.
