Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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30. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps being taken to ensure that the requirements of legislation for the transportation of dogs and pups to and from dog breeding establishments are met by parties in the UK in the aftermath of Brexit. [41260/18]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The trade of dogs - commercial movements within the EU, and movement from a non-EU country into the EU - is governed by EU law (the "Balai Directive"). Dogs moved to another EU Member State from Ireland must be accompanied by an EU pet passport and a health certificate issued by a Department veterinarian, be microchipped and have a valid rabies vaccination. Before travel, dogs must undergo a clinical examination by an authorised veterinarian, who must verify that the animals show no obvious signs of disease and are fit to be transported.

The premises exporting dogs to other EU Member States must be registered with my Department in advance of the export.

These procedures ensure that only healthy dogs, over the age of 15 weeks, are allowed to be exported.

Exporters must also comply with national and EU law on the protection of animals during transport. Council Regulation 1/2005 regulates the transport of live animals between EU countries and provides for checks on animals entering or leaving the EU. The transport of animals by air is also governed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Information about any breaches of these regulations can be provided to my Department, which will treat any information received in the strictest of confidence.

The UK has not to date provided information on what if any requirements may be imposed with regard to commercial movements of dogs to the UK after Brexit.