5 days ago
DAFM seeks public's views on horse traceability
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has launched a public consultation on the issue of horse traceability.
In June 2024, RTÉ Investigates broadcast a documentary exposing evidence of systemic flaws in the traceability of horses and how this was threatening the human food chain across Europe.
Operations at Ireland's only horse abattoir, Shannonside Foods were also suspended last summer by the then agriculture minister, Charlie McConalogue, following the programme.
Following the broadcast, the department commissioned Prof. Patrick Wall to carry out "a root and branch review of the whole traceability system" for horses.
The scope of the review included all aspects relating to identification, registration, and traceability of equines in Ireland with a view to enhancing the integrity and security of the overall system.
Prof. Wall - who is a veterinarian as well as a medical doctor, is knowledgeable in the equine sector and a food safety expert - presented his report to the department in March.
Among the recommendations in the report were grant aid and oversight for a new equine slaughter facility, as well as making the central database the authoritative source of horse data in Ireland.
DAFM said that improving equine traceability has been a priority for the department "over the last number of years".
The department added that "incremental improvements have been made, including the introduction of an equine census and online microchip checker".
DAFM has now launched a consultation to "gather ideas on how best to deliver the recommendations of Prof. Wall's report".
"The engagement of key stakeholders and the wider public will be critical to the successful development, finalisation, and implementation of this system.
"We are inviting any interested individuals, groups, or organisations to share their views on equine traceability in Ireland by completing the online survey," the department said.
The survey, which should take no more than 15 minutes to complete, is hosted on EUSurvey, a survey platform that is supported by the European Commission.
Participants will have an opportunity to expand on any issues of particular concern to them in the last question.
The closing date to complete the survey is 5:00p.m on September 8, 2025.
DAFM said that the information provided by respondents will inform the development of a national equine traceability system.
