Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

639. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the action being taken by his Department to consult all stakeholders on a low-cost, all-Ireland microchip system for horses and dogs to promote the welfare of these animals. [55444/13]

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

Following the announcement of a national policy on dog microchipping, my Department held a public consultation on all relevant matters. Cost was an issue which was raised by a number of parties and my Department will make every effort to ensure that the policy is delivered in a cost effective manner. While some cheaper microchipping technology may be available on the market, their reliability, safety and efficiency is open to question. Accordingly, I propose that only microchips which meet the relevant ISO standards will be compliant with the scheme.

Owners and keepers of equine animals (including horses, ponies and donkeys) are required by EU Council Directives 90/426/EEC and 90/427/EEC and Commission Regulation (EC) No. 504/2008 of 6 June 2008 to ensure that their animals are identified in accordance with the provisions of that legislation, which has been transposed into national legislation via S.I. No. 357 of 2011 - European Communities (Equine) Regulations 2011 (as amended). This legislation provides that, with effect from 1st July 2009, all equine animals, in addition to being identified by means of a passport, must also be implanted with a corresponding micro-chip. All such micro-chips must be inserted by a veterinary practitioner and are required to comply with the standards specified in the legislation. The cost of the identification system, including microchipping, is a commercial matter between horse owners and the relevant Passport Issuing Body.