Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

A qualifying transport operator for the purpose of the repayment scheme is defined in subsection (1) by reference to the provisions of the national and EU laws under which transport operators are required to be licensed. The proposed amendment would add two EU regulations in respect of food hygiene and livestock transport to the provisions mentioned. The amendment is not required.

While these regulations set down the requirements for the transportation of animals and food products, they do not provide for transport licensing requirements. The transport licensing requirements, as they stand, are adequate and comprehensive for the purposes of the section.