To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, as a result of staff being withdrawn from ports, for his assessment of the impact subsequent delays of physical checks will have on animal welfare.

The Department continues to carry out physical inspections on any live animals arriving in our ports. These checks have been conducted in our Larne port facility for many years and are a critical element in the protection of the health of animals here and in safeguarding the welfare of animals during transport. Animal welfare is a priority for my veterinary staff and consignments of live animals are always prioritised for inspection to avoid delay or unnecessary suffering.