Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2022
809. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures that are currently in place to enforce home quarantine for pets and exotic animals travelling into Ireland from foreign countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27609/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra810. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the protocols that are in place to report non-compliance with home quarantine measures for pets and exotic animals travelling into the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27610/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 809 and 810 together.
Home Isolation is currently an option only for pets accompanying Ukrainian refugees. No other pets entering Ireland have the option of home isolation. This is a temporary measure which is being kept under review and on-going risk assessment.
Recognising the exceptional circumstance created by the invasion of Ukraine, temporary humanitarian arrangements have been put in place, to allow people travelling from Ukraine to Ireland to be accompanied by their pets, even if the pets are not in full compliance with EU Travel Regulations. In accordance with Article 32 of Regulation (EU) 576/2013 and, by way of derogation from the conditions provided for non-commercial movements of pet animals, Member States may, in exceptional situations, authorise the non-commercial movement into their territory of pet animals which do not comply with the conditions in Regulation (EU) 576/2013.
Where Ukrainian pets are not fully compliant with EU regulations, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine veterinary services are taking steps to bring these animals into compliance with the legislative travel requirements, to protect our domestic population and protect public health. These measures include microchipping animals, providing tapeworm treatment and rabies vaccination for pets, as required.
Pet owners are provided with information translated into Ukrainian, on how to manage their pet in home isolation, where relevant. Department staff follow up with the pet owners to advise them on the necessary requirements to bring these pets into compliance with EU Pet Travel regulations. My Department staff have arrangements in place with private veterinarians to provide the treatments to bring Ukrainian pets into compliance at no cost to their owners. This exceptional response is being kept under review. Official isolation for pets can be introduced if deemed necessary.
Home isolation is being monitored and enforced by Authorised Officers of the Department's Regional Offices in conjunction with staff based in Headquarters. Follwing any necessary treatment and instruction at the points of entry, Department staff maintain contact with the owners by phone/email/post with follow-on instructions/direction on home isolation and any other requirements for their pets. Follow up risk informed home-visits are carried out by authorised officers as necessary.
Private Veterinary Practitioners have been issued instructions on how to deal with these pets, and have received documents in English and Ukrainian for pet owners. Any non-compliances noticed during these communications and visits are to be reported to the Department.
All this information is available on the Department's website in English and Ukrainian. Members of the public who have concerns about the non-isolation of Ukrainian pets should contact the Department's regional offices with the necessary details.
