AQW 18445/17-22

Mr John Blair
Alliance Party
South Antrim

Tabled Date: 05/05/2021
Answered On Date: 03/06/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, after four ponies were held at Belfast Port over deficiencies in veterinary forms, what engagement his Department has had with UK counterparts to prevent similar issues arising from the movement of equine animals from GB to NI under the Ireland/Northern Ireland Protocol.

Answer:

My Department has been in regular discussion with the authorities in Great Britain, in particular Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency, on the matter of veterinary certification for horses, over the past several months. In these discussions we have highlighted a number of shortcomings against the certification’s requirements. In recent weeks these discussions have intensified and have involved discussions with policy makers and regulators with responsibility for certification and the Movement Assistance Scheme.

In addition DAERA has liaised with HMRC concerning the operation of their Customs Declaration Service (CDS) system which will provide customs control of consignments entering Northern Ireland from Great Britain. Activation of CDS for equine transports is anticipated soon and should help ensure that all consignments are accompanied by the required certification.

I continue to be strongly opposed to the unnecessary and damaging conditions which have been forced on operators moving goods and animals from GB to NI. It will be my top priority to ensure that the Northern Ireland Protocol is replaced with pragmatic alternatives as soon as possible.