Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

EU legislation governing intra-Community trade in sheep prescribes the conditions for trade, which vary by reference to the category of sheep involved. For all categories it is a requirement that a veterinary inspector must certify, inter alia, that the sheep were resident on the holding of origin for 30 days, or 21 days for slaughter sheep, and that no sheep were moved on to the holding during the previous 21 days. However, as part of the development of an all-island animal health strategy, a derogation is applied from these requirements in the case of trade in sheep to and from Northern Ireland which are for immediate slaughter. In addition, certification of the residency and standstill requirements may be given in all cases on the basis of farmer declarations.

All sheep involved in intra-Community trade must be properly identified and accompanied by the necessary intra-Community health certification. While movement of lambs between Great Britain and Northern Ireland is not regarded as intra-Community trade, I understand specific measures are operated by the Northern Ireland authorities to control and monitor the movement of sheep into Northern Ireland from other parts of the United Kingdom. Under EU rules, sheep from Great Britain may be imported legitimately into this State provided they are accompanied by the necessary intra-Community health certification. Identification and other checks are carried out on all sheep presented for slaughter at meat plants here.

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