The Minister for Agriculture Mr Joe Walsh has signed new legislation to regulate controls over dealers and the movement of animals to try to prevent the spread of foot and mouth to the Republic.
At a news briefing this afternoon, Mr Walsh confirmed he had signed an order introducing a system for the approval and registration of dealer in all animals and poultry and dealers' premises.
The order, made under the Diseases of Animals Act 2001, was passed by the Dáil and Seanad last week.
Under the new order all dealers and their premises must be approved and registered by their local district veterinary offices. The registration would apply for an initial two-year period. It also makes it an offence to trade with a dealer unless the person is registered.
The Minister said he was confident the measures would allow for the control of dealers and restrict the activities of "rogue" dealers.
Department spokesman Mr Paul Savage said the Minister is also to sign another order that would prevent the resale of animals within 30 days of purchases except under permit.
The department is also finalising a sheep-tagging system and traceability system for meat factories that is expected to be introduced by the end of May.
Under the legislation, penalties would include the potential confiscation of farms, mart premises and meat factories.