John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 480: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if import licences are required for all animals imported into the Republic of Ireland for use in circuses performing here; and if so, if her Department is responsible for granting such licences. [5458/06]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 481: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the details of animals imported into the Republic of Ireland for use in circuses here in 2004 and 2005 including the species, the number, their country or countries of origin and the circuses to which they were attached. [5459/06]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 482: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of inspections of circuses operating here that were carried out in 2005. [5460/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 480 to 482, inclusive, together.

My Department is responsible for issuing the import licences required for animals imported for use in a circus and for ensuring that the imported animals comply with the appropriate health certification requirements. Licences are issued in accordance with the Rabies (Importation, Landing and Movement of Animals) (Amendment) Orders 1972-1976.

The following animals were licensed for import into Ireland by circuses in 2004 and 2005.

My Department's responsibility with regard to the regulation of circuses is confined to licensing the importation of circus animals. It has no responsibility for the inspection of circus animals.