Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Group 4, which is amendments Nos. 6, 48, 54 and 60, relates to the keeping of records. Discussion in my Department has identified the need for some tweaks to the definition of "record" and its use at various points in the Bill. First, we are providing more details to specify that documents like animal passports or identity documents are included in this definition for obvious reasons given the lessons learned during the horsemeat crisis. Second, we are allowing some flexibility that electronic records can be used or that officers can provide evidence on certificate.

This reduces the need for officers to appear in court merely to verify that a document such as an animal movement notification is the official document. In other words, the Government is recognising the collection of data electronically, which makes sense in any modern legislation.