Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent)
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260. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason the NBAS31B form has been removed from use by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28401/19]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The facility to record 'feedlot movements' on the AIM system, utilising a NBAS 31 B form, was introduced originally to assist in the establishment of stocking density for premia payments. The option to record this movement type is no longer required.

My Department therefore removed the 'feedlot option' for herds operating as 'bed and breakfast' or contract rearing operations on 1 June 2018 and now categorises such movements as “farm-to-farm” which reflects the actual event that takes place. With effect from that date, the option to apply for a Certificate of Compliance for 'movement of animals to another holding for feeding purposes' using a NBAS 31 B application form is no longer applicable. All applications received on or after 1 June 2018 for movement to a 'feedlot' are treated as an application for the movement of an animal(s) to another holding.

Keepers can apply online for a Certificate of Compliance to move an animal to another holding using agfood.ie online services or an approved farm software package. Alternatively, keepers can complete a form NBAS 31A (which is available on the Department’s website or from a Regional Veterinary Office) and submit it to the Cattle Movement Notification Agency in Clonakilty.