Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

My information is that the new check on the residency requirement was implemented by the Department on the AIM system from 23 January and switched off on 27 January for a number of reasons, including the fact that some parties claimed they had insufficient notice and that some technical issues came to light. The issues were rectified and, following the issue of new trader notices, the check was switched on again on AIM on 3 April. Apart from some complaints in January, from some marts and some dealers and exporters about lack of notice, little feedback has been received from the industry regarding any negative effect of the new check on the 30-day requirements on exports to Northern Ireland since then.

Last month, I met people involved in live exports to Northern Ireland and further afield and we had a very useful and frank discussion. This issue came up and I understood that, while it had caused problems in the past, the issues were now substantially resolved and I have not had any further contact on the matter. The level of exports, and the substantial increase in exports of both calves and older animals, are to be welcomed.

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