Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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573. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the fact the UK has banned the export of live animals for slaughter or for fattening before slaughter; if he is planning a similar policy for Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29360/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware that as of the 22 July 2024 The Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Act 2024 of the United Kingdom will ban the export of cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and horses for fattening and slaughter from Great Britain. The ban does not prevent the export of livestock and horses for breeding or competitions, and it does not apply in Northern Ireland.

The ban applies to journeys from, and transit journeys through, Great Britain to destinations outside of the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man. We understand that it will remove Great Britain as a land bridge for movement of livestock for slaughter, meaning no livestock can be taken from Northern Ireland or Ireland through Great Britain and onwards to mainland Europe for slaughter.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is responsible for regulating trade in live animals, in line with existing EU and National legislation. The Department takes its responsibilities in the matters of regulating this trade, and of protecting animal welfare, very seriously and operates a robust system of official controls so that Irish cattle can be traded successfully nationally, within the single market or internationally. I have no plans to introduce similar legislation to that being implemented by the UK.