Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 1122: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of import licences he issued for the import of animals to be used in circuses in Ireland for each of the years 2010, 2011 and 2012; the species that were imported; the number of each species that were imported; the person who sought the import licence in each case;; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18584/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The movement of circuses within the EU is governed by Commission Regulation (EC) No 1739/2005 of 21 October 2005 which lays down animal health requirements for the movement of circus animals and animal acts between EU Member States. In order to help prevent the spread of animal disease, before moving to any other Member State, all circuses with animals and all animal acts must be registered with the relevant authority (in Ireland the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine) and must comply with certain conditions. These conditions require that the animals are clinically healthy, that the place of departure is not subject to any animal health restrictions and that all testing and vaccination requirements are met. The species covered by this legislation are all mammals (including bats), birds, bees, salmon and trout. Registered circuses/circus acts require a Register of Animals, Animal Passports and a Venue Register, All movements must be notified by the exporting country on a movement system (TRACES). Accordingly no import licences are required.