Lynn Boylan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I seek the Government's position ahead of next week's European Council meeting. I would like to hear very clearly from the Minister of State, who is here on behalf of the Minister, Deputy McConalogue, what the Government proposes to do to regulate exotic pets. Ireland has a completely lax system when it comes to exotic animals. I often raise concerns about the treatment of dogs and horses. At least in the case of dogs, we have microchipping and licensing laws, albeit that they are poorly enforced. There are no such regulations governing exotic animals. Only a few weeks ago, we heard from the exotic animal sanctuary that it is inundated with calls from people seeking to rehome their pandemic parrots. We also see news reports of reptiles being found abandoned or living in watercourses.There is literally nothing stopping people from buying exotic animals. These animals have complex needs and in many cases are exceptionally long lived. They live for far longer than cats and dogs. The Federation of Veterinarians of Europe, which has daily interactions with exotic species, has said it is clear many species are not suitable as companion animals. They can experience extreme stress, boredom and depression and have severe behavioural issues, including self-mutilation. Irresponsible breeding, which is happening, has seen animals taken from the wild to feed the captive breeding industry. While Ireland is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, the evidence is there to show the exotic pet industry is having an impact on wild animal populations. The trade is also having an impact on our biodiversity here as some species become invasive.

Ireland needs to get a handle on the exotic pet industry. We need to look at what other countries are doing, see how effective their regulations are and introduce what is most effective. In the North there is a licensing system and Britain has introduced a certification process to ensure potential owners have completed a course to show they know how to look after the exotic species. I particularly want to focus today on the Cypriot proposal, which has a lot of merit. I want to hear the Department's view on it. Cyprus proposes to introduce an EU-wide positive list system for companion animals. Belgium introduced such a list in 2001 and it has clearly been very effective there. Proponents of the positive list argue it provides clarity. It is simpler and better than a negative list as it avoids the situation whereby if an animal is not listed it is permitted by default. Positive lists are a precautionary approach and are more effective against new unforeseen trends we might have in various exotic animals.

Will the Minister of State outline what Ireland's position will be at the AGRIFISH Council meeting on 24 May? If the Minister will not support the Cypriot proposal, which is backed by Lithuania, Malta and Luxembourg, what will he propose instead to address the issue in Ireland? We cannot continue with business as usual when it comes to exotic species in this country.