Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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945. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to outline the criteria for attaining a herd number; if these criteria differ in cases in which a new farmer is trying to reactivate a herd number; if there are circumstances in which the farmer can attain the herd number in the absence of a cattle crush; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24239/18]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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In order to obtain a herdnumber an ER1 application form should be completed. There are terms attaching to the provision of a herdnumber including that the applicant must be an individual over 18 years of age. Form ER1 and further details are available online on my Department’s website or directly from the relevant Regional Veterinary Office.

In all cases, when a herd number is being reactivated the applicant should speak to my Department officials in the relevant Regional Veterinary Office.

Any new applicant is required to abide by all of the regulations governing the issue of a herdnumber, animal health and welfare regulations and animal movement and identification regulations, details of which are set out in the ER1 application form.

An on farm inspection is usually required to attain a herdnumber for the keeping of animals, adequate handling facilities among other areas form part of this inspection. My Department officials will discuss with any applicant the details of their application and these requirements.