Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 104: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he is taking to protect live exports in view of new EU requirements on 30-day testing and 30-day on-farm residence pre-movement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46720/10]

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

There are no new EU requirements on live exports. The position is that Member States are legally obliged under Council Directive 64/432 on intra-community trade to certify, among other things, that bovines and pigs being exported for breeding or production have been on a single holding during the 30 day period prior to export or, if such animals are younger than 30 days, that they have been on the holding of their origin since birth. The EU Commission has taken the view that the arrangements in place in Ireland are not in line with this Directive. My Department is satisfied that the arrangements provide the necessary safeguards but has decided, nevertheless, to consult with the farming organisations and live exporters on how best to comply with the Commission's interpretation of the Directive, while at the same time minimising any disruption to the live export trade.