Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 May 2019
1191. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason the NBAS31B form has been removed from use by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19656/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe bovine traceability system is operated in accordance with EU regulatory requirements whereby all movements from holding to holding are recorded on my Department’s Animal Identification and Movement database (AIM). Herd keepers are required to obtain a Certificate of Compliance approving the movement of cattle from one holding to another holding prior to the movement taking place.
With effect from 1 June 2018, the option to apply for a Certificate of Compliance for animals moving to another holding for feeding purposes using the NBAS31B form was removed. The NBAS31B application was introduced many years ago solely to assist in the establishment of stocking density for premia payments. Accordingly the rationale for the NBAS31B form is no longer applicable.
All applications received from 12th June 2018 for the movement of animals to another holding for feeding purposes are being treated as an application for the movement of cattle to another holding.
The discontinuance of the use of the NBAS31B form has no impact on a keeper who wishes to move livestock to another holding for feeding purposes. An application for movement of animals to another holding for feeding purposes is now made by using the NBAS 31A form instead of the NBAS31B form.
The NBAS31A application process seeking a Certificate of Compliance for movement of cattle from a single holding to another holding can be requested by keepers either manually or by using the online facility.
