Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 357: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the facilities which are available and the requirements for those who are bringing dogs with EU passports and other animals into the country through Shannon, Dublin and Cork Airports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17947/06]

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

Since July 2004, under the EU Pet Passport system, it is possible to bring eligible dogs and cats directly into Ireland without the imposition of quarantine. Such animals travelling directly into Ireland must:

∙travel from a qualifying country (specified under the EU Pet passport system).

∙be identified by means of a microchip.

∙have been vaccinated against rabies.

∙have, at least six months before entry, been successfully blood-tested for rabies anti-bodies.

∙have been correctly treated for against tick and tapeworm.

Animals arriving by air travel as manifested freight into Dublin airport are subsequently checked for compliance with the conditions of entry at the quarantine premises at Lissenhall, Dublin. Where owners use an airline which has not opted to be an 'approved' airline for the purposes of the pet passport system, prior approval to land the animal must be obtained from my Department.

In general it is not possible to bring dogs and cats directly into Ireland by air except through Dublin airport. In exceptional circumstances, my Department will consider requests to allow an animal to be brought in through Shannon or Cork airports. There is a common travel area between Ireland and the UK and EU passports for dogs and cats are not required.