Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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320. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if legislation provides for sanctions where substandard artificial insemination, AI, straws are provided to farmers by bovine AI field service licence holders; if so, the possible sanctions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20585/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Bovine A.I. Field Service Licences (FSL) are issued by my Department in accordance with Statutory Instrument 19 of 2009. Applicants must have an adequate level of resources to deliver traceability with regard to Zootechnical and Animal Health information and ensure records can be produced on request. The Regulations governing this area are currently being revised and a new Statutory Instrument is being drafted.

AI Technicians are contracted to an FSL Licence holder and must ensure they are adhering to the highest of traceability and disease prevention standards. AI Technicians are licenced by my Department under the Animal Health and Welfare (AI Technician Licence Regulations) 2019 (S.I No.431 of 2019).

My Department has not been made aware of any issues regarding substandard AI straws. Depending on the issue, this may be a matter between the service provider and the customer.