Johnny Brady (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 316: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of spot checks carried out to date in 2007 under the Equine Passport Control Regulations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27402/07]

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

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that my Department is currently actively engaged in a range of activities aimed at enforcement of the equine identification regulations. This is an incremental process. Officials from my Department have been working closely with the industry in 2007 with a view to achieving compliance with the legislation.

Letters have issued from my Department to all of the relevant bodies in the equine sector outlining the requirements regarding the identification of equidae. A series of advertisements were placed in the press to inform the general public of the requirements. Officials from my Department are making direct contact with the owners / managers of major equine venues to remind them of their responsibilities in this regard. In recent weeks Inspectors from my Department have attended at horse sales and carried out checks of animals presented for sale, reminding people that all equines must be identified before being moved from a holding and that failure to comply with the regulations may result in prosecution.