Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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271. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of dogs exported from Ireland; the number of dogs imported into Ireland each year since 2011; the earnings of this business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39220/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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There are some 550 premises currently registered for export of dogs and 10,175 dogs have been exported from these premises during 2015. The records show that 98 dogs were imported during the same period. My Department has no information on the earnings from this trade.

I would like to emphasise that reinforced controls on the movement of dogs for commercial purposes (for sale or change of ownership) came into effect in December 2014 with the entry into force of Regulation 576/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 June 2013 which is implemented in Ireland via Regulations made under the Animal Health and Welfare Act.

Under these regulations, all dogs exiting the country must be accompanied by a pet passport to show that they are identified by a microchip and are immunised against rabies. Dogs being moved out of the country for sale or change of ownership must be accompanied by an official health certificate showing that they come from a holding or business registered with my Department and that these holdings are not subject to any movement ban on animal health grounds.

Furthermore registered export premises must undertake to have the dogs regularly examined by their veterinary practitioner and must ensure that animal welfare requirements are met. The dogs must also undergo a clinical veterinary examination within 48 hours of departure, to confirm that they show no signs of diseases and are fit to be transported for the intended journey. The vehicle being used for the transport must be approved by my Department.