Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 548: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food when she intends to introduce either regulations or legislation to implement the EU regulations on the welfare of animals in transport; the main elements of the regulations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22242/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is still considering the detailed arrangements and requirements for application of the new EU regulations for the transport of animals. Following a process of information exchange and consultation, over the coming months officials in my Department will transpose the EU regulations into national legislation and this process should be completed in early 2006. It should be noted that the new regulations will not come into effect until 5 January 2007, with a small number of provisions only having effect from 1 January 2008 and 1 January 2009.

The main provisions of the EU regulations are the establishment of common detailed rules for the transport of live animals and the registration of transporters of such animals. The provisions do not apply to the transport by farmers of their own animals using their own vehicles for distances up to 50 km. Several other provisions do not apply to persons transporting animals for distances up to 65 km. In addition, the more detailed requirements relating to certificates of competence for drivers and attendants and certificates of approval of vehicles apply only to transport in excess of eight hours.

In recent years my Department has actively promoted the welfare of animals at all levels, including at farm and transport levels. I welcome the broad thrust of the new EU regulations and I do not expect they will impose significant burdens on the industry. On the other hand, they will significantly improve the welfare of animals during transport and demonstrate the commitment of Ireland and the European Union to animal welfare.