| Good news for Kerry sheep farmers as European Commission recognises tagging concerns – Daly |
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Fianna Fail Senator Mark Daly and local Councillor Michael Cahill have welcomed the news that the European Commission has recognised the concerns in relation to the implementation of electronic identification (EID) in sheep. “Irish sheep farmers were concerned that the new EID system would eliminate the sale of breeding sheep at marts. This would have a devastating effect on the Irish sheep industry which is already under pressure.” “The Minister for Agriculture, Brendan Smith TD listened to the views of Irish sheep farmers and repeatedly voiced these concerns at Commission level.” “As a result significant concessions have been secured that will benefit Irish sheep farmers. These concessions have been approved by Member States at this week's Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health (SCOFCAH).” “Under the revised regulation, all lambs intended for slaughter and under 12 months old can now be exempted from EID. Furthermore, where these lambs are subsequently retained for breeding purposes they can then be tagged with an EID device at the second holding. This is a major breakthrough in facilitating existing trade practice in the sector.” “I have made the Minister aware, along with my colleague Councillor Cahill of the view of Irish sheep farmers that EID should only proceed in a voluntary capacity. The Minister has assured us that he will continue to press this issue with the Commission and his European colleagues,” concluded Senator Daly. ENDS
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