Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 203: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of vehicles engaged in the transport of animals which have been inspected since March 2004; the number of commercial consignments of dogs which have been examined since that date; the number of commercial consignments of dogs which have departed the Republic of Ireland; the countries they have gone to since that date; the number of certifications to ensure compliance with the provisions of EU and national legislation in respect of animals transported from Ireland which have been issued since that date; the number of animals covered by such certificates; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32865/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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There are currently 112 vehicles approved by my Department to transport live animals. The vehicles comply with the provisions of Council Directive 91/628/EEC on the protection of animals during transport as transposed by the European Communities (Protection of Animals during Transport) Regulations 2006 — SI No. 267 of 2006.

All dogs, including commercial dogs, going to other EU Member States (other than the U.K.), must be accompanied by an EU Pet Passport. The private veterinary practitioner provides the certification on the passports, including details of vaccinations and, where relevant, clinical examination for fitness to travel. Under the system in place, private veterinary practitioners do not provide information on exports to my Department. Until replaced by the EU Pet Passport system private veterinary practitioners examined dogs for commercial export and produced relevant documentation, on foot of which a Department Veterinary Inspector issued final veterinary certification.

The EU Pet Passport system does not apply in respect of commercial consignments to the UK and vice versa due to the common rabies-free status of both territories. Nevertheless, commercial consignments transiting ports or airports are liable to random welfare inspections.

The information regarding the number of certifications to ensure compliance with the provisions of EU and national legislation in respect of animals transported from Ireland which have been issued since March 2004 and the number of animals covered by such certificates is being compiled.