Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 646: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will introduce a ban on the export of live horses for slaughter; if legislation is needed for this purpose; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10815/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Trade in horses between member states and from member states to third countries is governed by European legislation and specific Commission decisions which establish the health conditions and certification to be applied to such animals for trade purposes. All export licences issued by my Department are in respect of animals for breeding, racing and jumping or sport use and export licences have not issued for horses for slaughter.

Under trade rules in place between Ireland, France and the UK for many years, based on a common animal health position in the equine sector, known as the tripartite agreement, intra-community export or import licences are not required for trade between these countries. However, the animals must be individually identified via their own passports, or a current signed marking sheet, and are subject to spot checks by an official veterinarian at the port of departure.

Although all horses certified by my Department are certified for the purposes I have outlined above, I should however point out that trade in horses for slaughter is covered by relevant EU regulations and is, subject to compliance with animal health and welfare legislation, a legitimate trade.