Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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1560. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the work carried out by his Department to conduct a consultation process with local authorities and other stakeholders to bring a cohesive national approach to the control of horses with a view to bringing forward legislative proposals to update the Control of Horses Act 1996; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42206/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Control of Horses Act, 1996 is currently under review within the Department and plans for replacement legislation are well advanced. The aims of the replacement legislation is to simplify and clarify procedures in the Act in terms of the control of horses - and their seizure and disposal as necessary.

A consultation process has begun. with initial engagement with Local Authority veterinary officers to begin this process. A broad stakeholder engagement process will follow to facilitate a cohesive national approach in considering and implementing the proposals.

Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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1561. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of his plans to review and enhance equine identification and traceability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42207/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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In keeping with my commitment to review and enhance the equine identification and tracing system as set out in Ireland's Welfare Strategy 2021-2025, I have initiated the undertaking of the first ever annual equine census in November 2021. Advertisement of this census will commence in the coming weeks.

The initial purpose of the census is to establish a link between each equine kept in the State and the premises on which it is kept on census date. The information submitted will provide important information in the event of an equine disease outbreak, in addressing public health concerns and in dealing with lost, straying or stolen horses

This census data will be built on in early 2022 when I propose to provide equine keepers with limited access to the Department's Animal identification and Movement (AIM) system, which houses the central equine database, allowing them to notify the Department directly when an equine moves residence. This will facilitate compliance with the EU Animal Health Law requirement to record the habitual residence of all equines on the central equine database.

It is expected that the linking of each equine to its place of residence will further enhance compliance with equine legislation where equine keepers are responsible for the health and welfare of all equines in their care.