Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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862. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the regulations that are in place to prevent (details supplied); if additional regulations are needed in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15983/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine ensures all marts are licensed under SI 128/2018.

Section 6 sets out the accommodation requirements for animals kept in marts. In the normal course of events the vast majority of animals are removed from the mart shortly after being sold. It is not normal practice for animals to be kept overnight in marts, however, in some circumstances, it can happen that animals may not be able to leave the mart on the day they are sold.

The Deputy will also be aware that the are at times evening sales at marts. In circumstances where animals are retained overnight, there must be suitable facilities to provide for the welfare of animals - pens must be bedded, and feed and water must be provided.