Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

I have on many occasions expressed concern about the mandatory introduction of electronic identification, EID, in the sheep sector. My consistent view has been that the introduction of EID of sheep should be on a voluntary basis. This position was most recently articulated to the European Commission and fellow Ministers at the Agricultural Council on 20 November 2009. Regretfully, there was not sufficient support among other member states and none from the European Commission for any further roll-back on the mandatory deadline, 31 December 2009, set for the compulsory introduction of EID or for a voluntary scheme.

The prevailing view at EU level is that member states should proceed with implementation. Other member states have already proceeded with implementation of EID on a mandatory basis. Therefore, I have no discretion as regards the date of implementation for electronic identification and there can be no question of deferring its introduction for a further period. In these circumstances, we must now proceed with its introduction.

During the period of debate at EU level, I placed a strong emphasis on pressing our case for a voluntary scheme and in this regard I have secured, in discussions with the European Commission and Commissioners, major concessions in regard to EID. These concessions include a slaughter derogation, which means that all lambs intended for slaughter and under 12 months old can now be exempted from EID. This will result in EID being largely confined to replacement breeding stock born after 31 December 2009. This means the vast majority of Irish sheep will be excluded from EID requirements, which will minimise costs for producers.

Furthermore, lambs identified under the slaughter derogation and subsequently retained for breeding purposes can be tagged with an EID device at the second holding. This is a major breakthrough in facilitating existing trade practice in the sector and addresses the concerns raised by Irish farming organisations that the new EID system would eliminate the sale of breeding sheep at marts, which would otherwise have an adverse effect on competitiveness in the industry.

My Department has circulated to farm organisations and other stakeholders for comment a technical document outlining the proposed changes to the National Sheep Identification System, NSIS II. This is part of a consultative process which has been ongoing for some time. The stakeholders have been asked to examine this document carefully and to engage with my officials to ensure that whatever revisions are made to the NSIS best suit Irish conditions and minimise the burden on farmers within the parameters of the new legislation. I urge the various organisations to contribute specific input to the proposed system.

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