Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1562: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will request the E.U. Commission not to proceed with the regulations regarding the compulsory tagging of sheep; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29942/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Deputy is referring to the introduction of electronic identification (EID) for sheep on a mandatory EU wide basis as provided for in Council Regulation (EC) No. 21/2004 which will come into force on 31st December 2009.

I can tell the Deputy that I have already expressed major concerns with regard to the introduction of EID for a sheep sector that is clearly under pressure. In this regard, I wrote to Commissioner Vassiliou last May stating that proceeding with compulsory EID cannot be justified until it can be demonstrated clearly that the costs involved for the majority of producers are clearly outweighed by the benefits to be derived in terms of more efficient flock management, traceability and disease control. I also requested that the Commission undertake an impact assessment and review the introduction of the compulsory electronic identification system for sheep in the light of that. Furthermore, when I met the Commissioner in Dublin in July 2008 I again reiterated our difficulty with the proposal. I must inform the Deputy, however, that the Commission for its part continues to be firmly attached to the mandatory introduction of EID, as are the majority of Member States.