Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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195. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide, in tabular form, the number of pet animals, birds, and reptiles brought into Ireland in each of the years 2010 to 2014 and to 30 June in 2015; the number in each category; the quarantine arrangements that were in place under the European Union travel scheme for pets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27385/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The statistics requested by the Deputy are not available in a readily accessible form and are being compiled from information held by my Department. They will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible. Prior to 2012, in accordance with Regulation (EU) No. 998/2003 on the animal health requirements applicable to the non-commercial movement of pet animals, my Department allowed the import of pet cats or dogs (accompanied by their owner) under (a) an import licence issued by the Department authorising the import of the animal into public quarantine for a period of six months, or (b) an EU Pet Passport issued in accordance with the requirements of Regulation (EU) No. 998/2003 on the animal health requirements applicable to the non-commercial movement of pet animals. In this case, the pet could only be brought through an approved entry point by an approved carrier.

With effect from 1 January 2012, EU legislation no longer required pet cats, dogs and ferrets imported into the country to be quarantined. Arising from progress in the control and eradication of rabies in the EU, the quarantine obligations were replaced from that date by requirements relating to a passport/certificate showing identification and rabies vaccination at least 21 days before entry (or depending on the country of origin of the pet, a blood test to demonstrate immunity to rabies)

The EU Pet Travel Regulations were  revised with effect from 29 December 2014 to ensure increased controls by distinguishing between dogs, cats and ferrets moving with their owners (non-commercial movement)  and those where a sale or change of ownership is involved (commercial movements). In addition to the requirements relating to identification and rabies control etc., dogs/cats involved falling in the latter category may only be moved from a registered premises and must be accompanied during movement by a Pet Passport and a veterinary health certificate. Furthermore, the Member State of destination must be notified in advance of the arrival of the commercial consignment.

Systems are also in place to prevent commercial movements being passed off as non-commercial. In addition, household pets being moved in groups of more than 5 must also be accompanied by a veterinary health certificate and the Member State of destination must be notified in advance of the arrival of the consignment.