Richard O'Donoghue (Limerick County, Independent)
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1970. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if flexibility will be given in relation to sheep inspections during the busy lambing months given the welfare issues regarding the moving of heavy in-lamb or recently lambed ewes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1151/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Under EU regulations, inspection of sheep flocks are legally required for participation in certain CAP schemes and for securing payments under those schemes.

Officials of my Department are very conscious of animal welfare considerations and will at all times endeavour to minimise and avoid stress to livestock on the holding when conducting sheep inspections. When carrying out inspections during the lambing season, officials are required to adhere to previously agreed protocols between my Department and the Farming Organisations through the Farmers’ Charter of Rights.