Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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471. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if assurances will be provided to the organisers of pigeon racing that birds from Northern Ireland can be transported here for the purposes of racing; and the point of contact in his Department for queries on this matter. [9966/20]

Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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473. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if pigeon racing can resume in phase 2 under the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business; and if trainers from Northern Ireland can transport pigeons here to be released in races. [10012/20]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 471 and 473 together.

Government advice for Phase 2 of the Covid-19 Roadmap for reopening is that people may travel within their own county, or up to 20km from their homes if crossing county boundaries. Organised outdoor exercise, and sporting, culture or social activities of up to 15 people may take place.

In relation to the transport of homing pigeons from Northern Ireland, if the transport relates to an economic activity (i.e. sale or change of ownership of the pigeons), the transporter must abide by the requirements set out in Council Regulation 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport. Regulation 1/2005 do not apply if the transport is connected to participation in shows etc.

Further information is available on my Department's website: .

There are no health certification requirements in relation to movement of pigeons within the EU for racing purposes.However, a consignment must be accompanied by an owner declaration confirming the pigeons are free from paramyxo virus.

If you require further information on the movement of pigeons, please contact my Department at livetrade@agriculture.gov.ie.