Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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124. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware of two complaints (details supplied) submitted to his office; if he will ensure that his Department processes these complaints as a matter of urgency, taking the necessary actions for animal welfare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8187/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has received and acknowledged the letters in question and they have been forwarded to the relevant officials for appropriate follow up action and reply.

The export of animals plays an important role in Irish agriculture by providing alternative market outlets for farmers. The trade in and the export of animals is a private commercial activity but it is heavily regulated by European and Irish national law which my Department enforces. All live export shipments from Ireland are conducted in full compliance with legislative requirements.

The Department takes its responsibilities in the matters of regulating this trade, and of protecting animal welfare, very seriously. It exercises close oversight, and deploys considerable resources to the area of animal welfare in general, including in respect of animals being transported.