SL(5)460 – The Animal Health and Welfare (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Wales) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2019
Background and Purpose
This instrument is made in exercise of the powers conferred upon the Welsh Ministers by paragraph 1(1) of Schedule 2, and paragraph 21 of Schedule 7, to the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018.
This instrument makes provisions supplementary to that made by regulation 5(2) of the Animal Health and Welfare (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Wales) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 which amend the Welfare of Animals at the Time of Killing (Wales) Regulations 2014.
The amendments in this instrument mean that an individual wishing to apply for a certificate of competence (which is needed in order to kill animals or carry out related operations in a slaughterhouse) may rely on approved training and examination undertaken in the Republic of Ireland as evidence when applying to the competent authority in Wales. This change is required to ensure the Welsh Ministers meet their commitments under the UK-Ireland Common Travel Area.
Procedure
Made Affirmative.
Technical Scrutiny
No technical points are identified for reporting under Standing Order 21.2 in respect of this instrument.
Merits Scrutiny
The following merits point is identified for reporting under Standing Order 21.3(ii) in respect of this instrument.
These Regulations were made on 23 October 2019 and are subject to the urgent ‘made affirmative’ procedure. The Welsh Ministers considered it important to urgently have these Regulations in place before exit day so as to provide confidence and certainty to the public and business and to ensure the effective functioning of the statute book after EU Exit. The urgent procedure was used in this case on the basis that exit day was expected to be on 31 October 2019.
Implications arising from exiting the European Union
The following implications are identified for reporting under Standing Order 21.3 in respect of this instrument.
Approved training and examination undertaken in the Republic of Ireland will continue to be recognised by the competent authority in Wales following exit from the European Union.
Government Response
A government response is not required.
Legal Advisers
Constitutional and Legislative Affairs Committee
5 November 2019