Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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1510. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he remains satisfied regarding the traceability of animals and authentication of the various documents relating to all bovines whether in the context of carriage between farms, between farms and marts and between farms and meat processing plants and the adequacy of cross checks at farms, meat plants and cattle marts, with specific reference to the need to ensure the absolute accuracy of the information contained in the relevant documentation. [24575/16]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The identification and movement of bovines in Ireland is controlled using the Animal Identification and Movement (AIM) system. AIM is a system covering bovine, ovine, caprine and equine animals. The facilities for bovine animals are the most detailed as there is a requirement to register and identify animals and a comprehensive movement monitoring system is in place that includes clearance against the database prior to movement from holding to holding, entry into the food chain and export.

The AIM system receives movement information from livestock marts, live export points and slaughter plants, licensed knackeries as well as from herd owners in the event of farm to farm movement, ensuring the prompt recording of all movements of cattle to and from these premises.  At slaughter plants and live export points, the origin, identity, movements and life history of the animal are checked against the database before it is permitted to enter the food chain or exported. In order to be legally traded all bovines must bear official ear tags, be properly registered and associated with the individual moving or selling the animal(s) on the AIM system.

The system provides assurances to consumers regarding the safety of beef and beef products and I am satisfied that Ireland’s obligations under the relevant EU regulations governing the identification and movement of bovines are fully complied with.