Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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234. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the regulations on live animal exports; how inspections are carried out to ensure that they are adhered to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16164/25]

Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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235. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the penalties for failing to adhere to regulations on live animal exports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16165/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 234 and 235 together.

The trade in and the export of animals is a private commercial activity, but it is heavily regulated by my Department in accordance with European and Irish national law.

At the time of movement, my Department carries out official controls on the animals to be traded within the EU or to be exported to third countries to ensure that they meet the conditions of the relevant veterinary health certificate. Furthermore, my Department has introduced extra controls on animal welfare during transport by road, such as additional checks to prevent transport of animals during hot weather, an increase in the minimum space allowance for calves in trucks which are higher than specified in EU rules, and a requirement for livestock drivers and attendants to undergo training every three years, rather than ten years as formerly required.

My Department monitors compliance through a system of official controls, including advance checks of weather along the proposed journey, and inspections of animals , road vehicles and dedicated livestock vessels before they travel. Proposed transports must be notified to my Department in advance, and veterinary certification will only be provided where the proposed transport complies with the relevant laws relating to animal welfare during transport.

Relevant legislation relating to the animal welfare during transport provide for a range of sanctions including revocation/suspension of transport authorisations, voiding of certificate of competences, fixed penalty payments, seizure of animals and vehicles, criminal prosecutions which upon convictions can lead to fines of €5000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both.

Provisions under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 can also be used to prosecute animal transport operators under S.I. No. 356/2016 - Carriage of Livestock by Sea Regulations 2016. Criminal convictions under this Act can lead to fines of up €250,000 and or imprisonment up to five years or both.