Nicky McFadden (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 50: To ask the Minister for Agriculture; Fisheries and Food if tougher regulations are being proposed by the EU for the export of Irish cattle abroad; and if he will address farmers concerns that new legislation will add significant costs on the farming sector. [17603/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The EU has not proposed any new regulations relating to the export of Irish cattle.

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 in this respect are not in line with the Directive. We have taken this matter up with the Commission with a view to seeking a resolution as part of the review of the animal health legislation in the framework of the new EU New Animal Health Strategy. An EU Commission proposal for a new animal health law is currently scheduled for adoption in 2013.