Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 237: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding electronic tagging of sheep. [17224/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The introduction of electronic identification (EID) for sheep was agreed at EU level in late 2003. At that time, the implementation date was deferred until January 2008 and subsequently set in EU legislation for 31 December 2009.

I have consistently opposed the mandatory introduction of EID and have made my position on this very clear in Brussels. I will continue to seek the introduction of EID on a voluntary basis and some other Member States support this position. The Commission and most Member States are, however firmly attached to the introduction of EID by the end of this year. My Department is in contact with the Commission, other Member States and Stakeholders in relation to detailed aspects of EID. These discussions are without prejudice to the continuing political discussion on the overall policy in relation to EID. I am anxious that all Irish concerns are taken into account in whatever system is finally implemented.

I should also point out that under the EU legislation, EID will not apply to sheep born before January 2010 nor generally will there be a need to retag existing sheep. Furthermore provision is made whereby lambs intended for slaughter and less than 12 months old can be permanently excluded from the EID requirement. If this provision is applied by Ireland, it will reduce the number of animals affected by EID substantively.