Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of horses and ponies including thoroughbreds that were exported in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7697/13]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The number of horses certified for export by my Department during the years in question is as set out in the following table.

The movement of equidae within Member States of the EU is subject to harmonised rules as outlined in Council Directive 2009/156/EC to prevent the spread of disease. However, in view of the fact that they have broadly similar animal health standards in relation to equidae, Ireland, the United Kingdom and France have availed of a derogation in the Directive to permit trade in registered equidae, other than those going for slaughter, to move between these countries without the prior inspection and certification. This is known as the Tripartite Agreement (TPA) and it has been in existence for many years and commits members to notify each other of confirmed cases of listed diseases that would alter the equivalence status. Given the integrated, all-island nature of the equine industry in Ireland the TPA has particular benefits for the equine sector here. Furthermore, the operation of the TPA is reviewed regularly by the signatory countries to ensure its effectiveness and deal with any strategic or operational matters of concern. The records available to my Department would indicate that approximately 16,000 horses are moved from Ireland annually under this arrangement. These are in addition to the numbers set out in the table above.