Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 805: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will ensure that there are no complications for a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan when returning home from the USA. [2473/08]

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 883: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will ensure that a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan is given the maximum support. [2474/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 805 and 883 together.

Ireland has been free of rabies since 1903 and, until 2004, operated a control system based on compulsory six months quarantine for all imported cats and dogs, other than those imported from the U.K. This was replaced by an EU wide system in 2004, under which dogs and cats can travel into Ireland without quarantine provided that certain conditions are met.

Pet dogs and cats can now travel directly into Ireland provided that:

The animal is travelling from an eligible country. The USA is included in the list of eligible countries

The animal is identified by means of a microchip.

The animal has been vaccinated against rabies

The animal has, at least 6 months before entry into Ireland, been successfully blood-tested for rabies anti-bodies.

The animal has been correctly treated against tick and tapeworm. These requirements are applied to all dogs and cats.

My Department facilitates travellers with guide dogs in any way possible consistent with protecting our rabies status. It will be appreciated that the controls are in place for sound scientific reasons and are designed to guard against this very serious disease entering the country. Pets entering Ireland by air must normally fly only into Dublin airport and must travel as manifested cargo. However, for guide dogs, these requirements are waived, and entry checks are carried out at the airport rather than in the quarantine station.

In this particular case I understand that the blood sample for the rabies anti-bodies test was taken on 22 December 2007. This being the case the dog will be eligible to enter Ireland without quarantine after 21 June 2008. After that date the animal will be able to exit and re-enter the country at will, once vaccinations are kept up to date.