Written answers

Wednesday, 11 November 2009

Department of Agriculture and Food

Animal Identification Scheme

9:00 am

Photo of Michael CreedMichael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 242: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on compulsory electronic sheep tagging; the action he has taken and the progress he is making at European level to secure a voluntary option on electronic tagging for sheep farmers here. [40811/09]

Photo of Brendan SmithBrendan 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, it was agreed to defer the implementation date until January 2008. The Council revisited this issue in December 2007 when it was agreed that the deadline for the compulsory introduction of EID should be set for 31 December 2009, 6 years after the original decision was taken.

I have always had the greatest reluctance in relation to the mandatory introduction of EID. My consistent view has been that the introduction of EID of sheep should only have been introduced on a voluntary basis. There has, however, been a lack of support from other EU Member States or from the European Commission for a voluntary scheme.

In the discussions in Brussels, a number of measures have been negotiated intended to minimise any inconvenience in its introduction. In particular, provision has been made to exempt from EID, lambs under 12 months of age and that are intended for slaughter. This means that the vast majority of Irish sheep will not be affected by the EID requirement. Primarily only those animals retained for breeding over the coming years would have to be electronically tagged and so the additional costs to farmers in any given year are being kept to a minimum.

It is my intention that the scheme to be introduced during the course of next year will be implemented in consultation with the stakeholders and will take appropriate account of Irish conditions.

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