Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

There will be a requirement regarding the new numbering system. It will have a different number of characters. Some years ago the 13 digit sheep tag system was introduced. That will be incompatible, but there will be a period where there will be a crossover. The new 12 digit number will be introduced with the country code. A 12 digit code containing much of the elements of the whole numbering structure is proposed as a new tag numbering system. The structure of the new numbering system will be similar to the existing structure and will continue to comprise a flock designator unique to every keeper, followed by an individual number for the animals in question and will be issued in sequential order.

A key point is that conventional electronic tags will continue to have the country identifier, the 12 digit sequence and the check letter printed on them. They will continue to be readable to the eye, thus avoiding the need for farmers to have readers. We want to ensure that, in dealing with flock owners, we minimise the disruption during the transition period.

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