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SHEEP TAGGING AMENDMENT IS WELCOME Print E-mail
Thursday 16 July 2009

SENATOR MARK DALY AND COUNCILLOR MICHAEL CAHILL WELCOME AMENDMENT TO SHEEP TAGGING PROPOSAL

Senator Mark Daly and Councillor Michael Cahill today, Thursday 16 July 2009, welcomed Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Mr Brendan Smith TD's announcement of the European Commission' recognition of Irish concerns in relation to the implementation of sheep tagging.

The Minister, following representations by Senator Daly and Councillor Cahill, has consistently opposed the mandatory introduction of sheep tagging and continues to seek its introduction across the Irish sheep industry on a voluntary basis.  Following consultation with relevant stakeholders, a number of ways in which sheep tagging could be implemented in a way best suited to Irish conditions were identified.

The Minister has repeatedly pressed the Commission on these issues and is glad to say that he has been effective in winning significant concessions that will ease the burden on the sector in implementing sheep tagging.  These were approved by Member States at this week's Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health (SCOFCAH).

Ireland has played a leading role in these discussions. Under the revised regulation, all lambs intended for slaughter and under 12 months old can sheep tagging device at the second holding.  This is a major breakthrough in facilitating existing trade practice in the sector.

This addresses concerns raised by Irish farming organisations that the new sheep tagging system would eliminate the sale of breeding sheep at marts, which would have an adverse effect on competitiveness in the industry.

While the Minister will continue to impress on the Commission and his European Colleagues at the Council his view that sheep tagging should proceed in a voluntary capacity, he nevertheless welcomes these amended regulations as an important step in the right direction.  Senator Daly and Councillor Cahill urge the Minister to continue to work with the sector in the lead up to the implementation of sheep tagging.

 For further information, contact Mark on 086 8032612.
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