Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

322. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to address the issue of multiple microchips in horses; the specific changes he will implement to improve traceability and identification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45552/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The identification of equines is governed by the EU Animal Health Law which states that an equine should not be implanted with more than one microchip unless the original microchip has ceased to function.

My Department oversees the integrity of the microchipping system as a pillar of equine traceability. There are a number of controls in place in this regard including:

• Microchips can only be implanted into equines by a veterinary practitioner and all equine microchips must be sourced from an approved passport issuing organisation (PIO).
• Vets are required to assess horses presented for microchip implantation for possible signs or marks indicative of previous implantation.
• If an equine is found to have more than one working microchip inserted, all must be recorded on the passport and on the central equine database.
• The PIOs source the pre-coded equine microchips within an approved sequence and are responsible for maintaining a system for recording details of who these are supplied to – to ensure that microchips implanted into equines in Ireland are implanted only by veterinary practitioners.
• Veterinary practitioners are required to keep an accurate record of all microchips received, together with details of the equines into which each microchip is implanted so that they can be accounted for should the need arise.
• Prior to the closure of the only equine slaughter plant, equines presented for slaughter would be examined post mortem for multiple microchips. If multiple microchips were found and not recorded on the passport, this horse would be declared unfit for human consumption.