With regard to intra-community live exports, all EU member states are subject to common EU welfare standards both during transit and within the destination of country.
In the case of 3rd countries, agreed veterinary health certificates outline herd of origin, transport and welfare requirements to be met. Ireland adheres strictly to these standards.
My Department implements the most stringent system of controls on the welfare of animals being exported.
In addition to meeting the provisions of Council Regulation 1/2005, Ireland implements a comprehensive legislative framework relating to the transport of animals by sea (The Carriage of Livestock by Sea Regulations 2016 (S.I. 356 of 2016). This legislation goes above and beyond the requirements of the EU Council Regulation.