Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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1743. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the checks that are in place to ensure that pet dogs and other animals that are entering Ireland do not pose a risk of rabies or other diseases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63215/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy may be aware that all animals entering Ireland are subject to EU sanitary requirements. These requirements are in place to reduce the risk of importation and spread disease. The requirements for animals generally to enter Ireland are outlined in the EU Animal Health Law, Regulation (EU) 429/2016. The specific requirements for a pet (dog, cat ferret) to enter Ireland are outlined in Regulation (EU) 576/2013. Any animal which does not meet the health requirements set out in these regulation are quarantined or returned to the country of origin.

Any animal or product of animal origin entering Ireland from outside the EU require health certification and undergoes checks at the Border Control Post (BCP) upon entry. Their health status and health documentation are checked. Whilst all pets entering from third countries are checked, pets entering from the EU undergo spot checks.

If a pet is non-compliant, then the pet will be placed in official isolation until the pet is compliant with entry requirements.

The European Communities (Birds & Natural Habitats) Regulation 2011 restricts the importation, distribution, sale or release of approximately 70 species of plants and animals considered to be harmful invasive alien species of national concern. It is an offence to breed, reproduce or release an animal listed as an invasive alien species.

Animals covered by the EU Habitats Directive, such as otters and bats, are afforded strict protection and may not be sold in pet shops.