John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 146: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she will take to facilitate the live export of lambs to the United Kingdom and France; if she will address the current holding period restriction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26200/05]

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 171: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 258 of 17 May 2005, the steps she will take to facilitate the live export of lambs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26202/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 146 and 171 together.

I am anxious to facilitate trade in live sheep, which has to take place in accordance with EU rules governing such intra-Community trade. Trade in sheep between member states of the European Union is subject to the provisions of, inter alia, Council Directive 2003/50/EC, which amends Council Directive 91/68/EEC regarding reinforced controls on the movement of sheep and goats.

My Department has been in discussions with the Irish Farmers Association in an attempt to overcome the difficulties posed by the residency and standstill certification requirements. In an effort to progress the issue, my Department has written to the EU Commission seeking an amendment to the certification requirements that I accepted should address the concerns of farmers and exporters. We are currently awaiting a response from the Commission.