Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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EU Regulation 2016/429, the Animal Health Law, which sets down the EU rules on animal traceability, recognises that effective traceability systems for each species must reflect the reality of how those animals move throughout their lifetime. Frequent movement is intrinsic to the horse sector and in recognition of this, Regulation 2016/429, bases equine traceability on the concept of a horse’s “habitual residence”. This concept is not employed for other species and therefore, replicating the bovine traceability system for equines would not be appropriate.

Notwithstanding this, improving equine traceability is a priority for my Department and, to that end, I have introduced a number of initiatives, including: an annual census providing data on all equines and their habitual residence; A chipchecker portal, which allows members of the public to confirm the identity of micro-chipped equines; the provision of funding to support an e-passport system to facilitate improved traceability, including in particular the movement of equines involved in racing or competition.