Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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1942. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider changing the criteria to become eligible to allow nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law to use a herd number; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13980/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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A herdnumber is an administrative device, issued by my Department for the purposes of disease control.  A herdnumber, therefore, does not imply ownership of lands, ownership of any animals tested or kept under that herdnumber or entitlement to payments under any schemes operated by the Department. 

There are two roles associated with a herdnumber - a herdowner and a herdkeeper. 

Under existing criteria, it is possible for more than one person to have an interest in the herd such as spouses, nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law etc. There is already a standardised process in place for registering the interests of more than other persons, companies or institutions in the role of Herdowner.  The form ER1.1 used for this purpose can be found here: gov.ie - Apply for a flock or herd number (www.gov.ie)

Amendments to a herd number must be requested in writing to the relevant Regional Veterinary Office. If there is more than one person named as a herdowner, then the appropriate request to change details must be signed by all relevant parties.

The role of Herdkeeper can only be assigned to one natural person over the age of 18. Regardless of ownership, the herdkeeper is responsible for the day-to-day care and welfare of the herd.