Robert O'Donoghue (Dublin Fingal West, Labour)
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860. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has examined the findings of the recent research published in the Journal of Dairy Science (August 2025), which shows that prolonged periods without feed cause dehydration, hypoglycaemia, low energy, muscle fatigue, and other stress responses in unweaned calves, and that enhanced pre-transport feeding cannot fully prevent such harm; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63369/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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My Department takes its responsibilities in the matter of animal welfare very seriously and exercises close oversight and deploys considerable resources to the area of animal welfare in general, including in respect of animals prior to and during transport.

My Department is aware of the research report referred to by the Deputy and welcomes all research and scientific studies aimed at improving the welfare of animals at all stages of their lives including pre-transport.

Robert O'Donoghue (Dublin Fingal West, Labour)
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861. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures being taken by his Department to ensure that unweaned calves receive adequate feeding, hydration, and rest during transport, particularly on long journeys within and outside of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63370/25]

Robert O'Donoghue (Dublin Fingal West, Labour)
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862. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department is considering providing additional supports or infrastructure to ensure proper feeding, watering, and rest facilities for unweaned calves during transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63371/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 861 and 862 together.

The trade in and the export of animals is a private commercial activity, but it is heavily regulated by European and National law which my Department enforces. My Department takes its responsibilities in the matter of animal welfare very seriously and exercises close oversight and deploys considerable resources to the area of animal welfare in general, including in respect of animals being transported.

Trade in animals to other Member States and export of animals to third countries from Ireland must be conducted in compliance with legislative requirements. My Department ensures that animals are fit for transport and comply with the terms of their health certification, as well as ensuring that journeys are only allowed in conditions whereby animals can be transported in compliance with the EU's animal welfare legislation and with Ireland’s national legislation.

Independent data on the health and welfare of Irish calves in Dutch veal production systems indicates they have significantly lower mortality and lower antibiotic usage, indicating that they arrive in good condition.