Written answer
Animal Welfare
A new Central Equine Database, nine mandatory traceability checkpoints and 300 planned inspections aim to strengthen compliance with equine identification rules.
382. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps being taken by his Department to ensure equine chip and pin legislation is enforced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [75038/26]
Comment on this
The rules relating to equine traceability are set down in EU Regulation 2016/429 and its delegated and implementing acts, known collectively as the Animal Health Law.
I have invested significantly in improving equine traceability, with a particular focus on maximising the potential of digital technology to keep our equine traceability system accurate. A new Central Equine Database was launched in October 2025, linking horses to the premises where they are kept and to a responsible operator. This represents a significant step forward and strengthens accountability across the sector.
My Department has designed the new equine traceability system so that enforcement with traceability rules is built into the day-to-day operation of the industry. The database is now supported by nine key traceability checkpoints at which an active equine premises number or database check is required, helping to ensure compliance and that records are kept up to date. These include registrations, accessing veterinary medicines, registration updates, access to grant aid, export checks, inspections, entering sales catalogues, the census and death notification. This systematic enforcement makes it more difficult for operators to operate outside of the rules and prompts engagement and compliance.
In parallel, a new proactive inspection regime has been put in place with 300 inspections scheduled for this year. These inspections provide an important mechanism for verifying compliance on the ground, identifying areas of non-compliance and supporting targeted enforcement action where necessary.
Taken together, these measures reflect my Department’s twin-track approach to enforcement, recognising that effective and sustainable compliance depends on both embedding regulatory requirements into system design and maintaining a robust programme of on-the-ground inspections.