Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 November 2025
863. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which compliance with existing EU and national feeding and welfare requirements for unweaned animals in transport is monitored and enforced; the number of inspections carried out and enforcement actions taken in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63372/25]
View answerThe 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.
The relevant health certification requires a veterinarian employed by my Department to state that the animal has not shown clinical signs or symptoms of diseases listed for bovine animals during the clinical examination which was carried out within the last 24 hours prior to the time of departure of the consignment. From 18 November 2024 until 2 November 2025 224,584 calves were transported from Ireland to other Member States or to third countries. My Department has commenced 3 enforcement actions since 17 November 2024 relating to alleged non-compliances involving the transport of calves.
