In 2021 and 2022, the Chief Veterinary Officer and officials in my Department engaged in correspondence, via e-mail, with the Chief Veterinary Officer as well as Veterinary Services & Animal Health areas of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Israel, on the following issues:
• Routine in nature correspondence regarding the delisting of export-approved meat slaughter plants.
• Information request on independent laboratories in the State of Israel, to facilitate pre-export testing of material destined for a laboratory in Ireland.
• Trade and related certification issues with respect to animal feed and feed additives as well as animal hides and skins between Ireland to Israel.
Officials in my Department have held discussions since 2019 with Israel’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development on Ireland's application for access for livestock (Cattle, Sheep) and horses. In 2021, a team from Israel inspected Ireland's systems for animal health and subsequently Animal Health certificates have been agreed for horses and for some categories of livestock.
As regards the 12 State Bodies under the aegis of my Department, the information requested is an operational matter for the State Bodies themselves. I have referred the Deputy’s question to the Agencies and have requested that a response should issue within 10 days.