Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 March 2019
511. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of factory-fit beef animals from Ireland slaughtered in meat plants in Northern Ireland in 2017 and 2018, respectively, and to date in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12370/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number of beef animals that were exported to Northern Ireland for the years 2017 and 2018, were 16,687 and 17,740 respectively as recorded on the Department’s Animal Identification and Movement (AIM) database, while a total of 3,017 beef animals have been exported to Northern Ireland from the start of 2019 to 3rd March.
The AIM database does not record the intended purpose for export. This information is, however, recorded on the Veterinary Health Certificate which is issued when an animal is exported and is accessible through the TRACES system which is an intra EU traceability system. This data will be compiled and sent directly to the deputy's office.
