The trade in and export of animals is a private commercial activity which is regulated by my Department in accordance with EU and National Regulations. Relevant EU and National Regulations for this sector include Council Regulation (EC) No. 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations, S.I. No. 675/2006 European Communities (Animal Transport and Control Post) Regulations 2006, S.I. No. 580/2007 - Diseases of Animals (Animal Transport) (Roll-On Roll-Off Vessels) Order 2007 and S.I. No. 356/2016 - Carriage of Livestock by Sea Regulations 2016. The provisions of S.I No. 356 of 2016 Carriage of Livestock by Sea Regulations only apply to dedicated livestock vessel journeys that depart from a port in Ireland.
The consignment of animals referenced by the Deputy were initially transported from Ireland to Spain using road vehicles and Roll on Roll off Vessel (RoRo /Ferry ). These modes of transport were approved by my Department in accordance with relevant National and EU Regulations. The animals were then loaded onto the dedicated vessel Nader A under the supervision of the Spanish authorities for transport to Libya. Other animals which originated in Spain or other Member States were also loaded onto to this vessel. The Nader A is approved by France under the relevant provisions of Council Regulation (EC) No. 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport.
My Department is continuing to liaise with the Spanish authorities in relation to the location of assembly centres where these animals were kept prior to loading onto the dedicated vessel Nader A. In addition my Department is also liaising with the Spanish authorities in relation to overall vessel journey time from Spain to Libya and animal feeding supplies on board.
EU Regulation 1/2005 requires that prior to travel an animal must be deemed to be fit for the intended journey. The Regulation does specify that a pregnant animal for whom 90% or more of the expected gestation period has already passed is not considered to be fit for long distance transport. Thus, as part of the official certification process, veterinary inspectors assess each animal to ensure it meets the conditions for fitness to travel as laid down in the Regulation.
