To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail (i) the current regulations for bringing pets from NI to GB and back; (ii) what checks are currently being made; (iii) when these regulations/checks will change; and (iv) what conversations he has had with the EU and Westminster government regarding this issue.

the current regulations for bringing pets from NI to GB and back;

The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs have advised that there will be no new checks or requirements for pets travelling from Northern Ireland (NI) to Great Britain (GB). However, as a result of the Withdrawal Agreement and NI Protocol, the European Union (EU) Pet Travel Regulation 576/2013 remains directly applicable in NI. This regulation details the documentary, health and compliance check requirements for the travel of pets between or into EU Member States (and also NI). These requirements are therefore now in place for pet travel from GB to NI and include a rabies vaccination, tapeworm treatment (for dogs) and appropriate documentation.

(ii) what checks are currently being made;

I announced earlier this year that my Department would not introduce checks on these requirements until 1 July 2021, however, in order to provide much needed clarity, I have taken the decision to further delay routine pet travel checks for citizens travelling from GB to NI with their pets until at least 1 October. This is to allow a further period for the ongoing UK/EU discussions, where pet travel is under consideration, to provide direction on both the requirements necessary and any potential flexibilities. This delay will also allow time for my Department to further publicise, and the public to prepare for, the pet travel conditions that are ultimately agreed.

Whilst the Department will not be conducting routine checks during this period, it is important to note that my officials reserve the right to carry out checks if they suspect illegal activity or have welfare concerns.

(iii) when these regulations/checks will change; and (iv) what conversations he has had with the EU and Westminster government regarding this issue.

I continue to make clear my opposition to what I consider to be completely unnecessary additional measures on those travelling with pets within the UK. I am particularly concerned at the impact they will have on those travelling with assistance pets and also on citizens who wish to travel into or return to NI with their pets for any purpose including leisure, work or to visit family and friends.

I have written to both the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, George Eustice MP, and to the European Commission, highlighting these issues, particularly the entirely unjustified requirements for rabies vaccination and tapeworm treatment, given that both the UK and the Republic of Ireland (RoI) are considered free from both diseases. Furthermore, I have requested that urgent consideration be given to the introduction of a ‘Common Travel Area’ for pets travelling between GB, NI and the RoI.

This matter has also been escalated by the UK Government to the European Commission seeking urgent resolution. Although flexibilities from the European Commission have not been forthcoming to date, my officials have been instructed to continue to engage with their counterparts to seek solutions to ease the burden on those travelling with pets between GB and NI. A joint UK/ NI/ RoI working group has met on a number of occasions and my officials continue to engage on these issues as a matter of urgency to consider where flexibilities can be achieved.

It is my hope that from the discussions and processes outlined above, that sensible and pragmatic solutions can be found and I will continue engagement with Ministerial colleagues to urgently seek derogations where possible from these unnecessary additional requirements.

Any progress made or flexibilities agreed in respect of the additional requirements, along with any changes to the current enforcement approach will be published on the DAERA website https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/travelling-pets and on the DAERA Frequently Asked Questions document https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/qas-pet-travel-1-january-2021 and communicated widely through our usual Departmental media channels.