Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 7 September 2026
2682. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the procedures followed where cattle are found to be unregistered, unidentified, incorrectly tagged or otherwise in breach of animal identification and traceability requirements; the range of enforcement options available to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61264/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s bovine identification and traceability system is fundamental to the reputation and success of our beef and dairy sectors. Our ability to maintain and expand access to international markets is intrinsically linked to the confidence of consumers and trading partners in the integrity of our food safety and traceability systems.
The vast majority of Irish farmers recognise the importance of robust traceability to the reputation and sustainability of Irish agriculture and comply with their legal obligations and responsibilities. My Department works with farmers every day across a broad range of issues and services and recognises that circumstances can arise which result in non-compliance with identification, registration or traceability requirements.
Where a non-compliance is identified, my Department’s initial approach is to support and work with the farmer to address the issue and achieve compliance voluntarily. In the great majority of cases, farmers engage constructively with my Department, take the necessary corrective action and the matter is resolved without the need for further enforcement action.
Where issues are not resolved voluntarily, or where the nature or seriousness of the non-compliance requires it, my Department may issue legal notices or formal directions requiring specified corrective measures to be taken. The action required will depend on the nature and extent of the non-compliance, the traceability risk involved and, where relevant, the operator’s compliance history. Measures available to my Department include:
Animal/animal product or herd restrictions: My Department may restrict the movement of individual animals, animal products, or impose restrictions at herd level, where necessary to protect traceability and secure compliance. Such restrictions remain in place until my Department is satisfied that the deficiencies identified have been satisfactorily addressed in accordance with the relevant notice or direction.
Identification and DNA testing: Where necessary to establish the identity or traceability of an animal, my Department may require appropriate steps to be taken to establish its identity, including DNA testing where appropriate.
Removal and destruction: The removal or detention of animals by my Department is a measure of last resort. Where an animal cannot be satisfactorily identified or its traceability established, the legislation provides, where appropriate, for its destruction. These serious measures are used only where necessary and in accordance with the applicable legislation to safeguard the integrity of the identification and traceability system.
Fixed-payment notices and prosecution: Where warranted, my Department may issue fixed-payment notices or initiate prosecution proceedings in respect of breaches of identification and registration requirements.
The costs associated with measures required to address non-compliance may also, where provided for, be recovered from the responsible operator.
My Department does not initiate enforcement proceedings lightly. Its priority is, wherever possible and appropriate, to work with farmers to resolve problems and restore compliance. However, where serious issues remain unresolved, my Department must take appropriate action to protect the integrity of Ireland’s animal identification and traceability system and, in turn, the reputation of our beef and dairy sectors and the confidence of our trading partners.
In 2025, my Department inspected more than 3,000 bovine herds to assess compliance with animal identification, tagging and registration requirements. Approximately 91% of the herds inspected had either no or only minor non-compliances. Slightly more than 280 herds were subject to movement restrictions as a result of significant non-compliance. In the majority of these cases, farmers engaged constructively with the Department, addressed the deficiencies identified and had the restrictions lifted within days or weeks.
