John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

In simple language, the Minister and I had a number of meetings with the IFA, sheep exporters and others, who pointed out the difficulties in respect of the residency and standstill requirements, which the veterinarian had to sign off on. Now the veterinarian will not have to sign off and the declaration of the farmer involved will be acceptable. The Commission has accepted that, it has gone before the standing committee and will apply from 15 February 2006. The exporters and farm organisations seem to be reasonably happy with that.

In terms of figures, 35,000 sheep were exported in 2003, 58,000 in 2004 and to date this year, the figure is 88,000. Our officials are working on the issue of the all-Ireland agreement, which has proved reasonably difficult. However, we are continuing to try to bring about an arrangement where we will have an all-Ireland agreement in place.

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