The Minister for Agriculture has announced more restrictions on the movement of animals. From midnight tonight, the transport of horses is forbidden, except under permit.
Permits may only be issued for foaling, breeding, emergency veterinary procedures, import/export or other exceptional reasons which are approved by the Minister.
Mr Walsh said the restrictions were being introduced as a precautionary measure against the spread of the foot-and-mouth virus.
He also referred to his decision to put in place a code of practice to allow controlled access to the Curragh to allow racehorses stabled in the area to exercise. Mr Walsh said the ban on outside trainers (non-Curragh) remained in place.
Earlier today Mr Walsh initiated a second animal transport permit to cover the movement of cattle, sheep and pigs from farm to farm for exceptional causes such as illness.
Transport of livestock was restricted last month as a precaution against foot-and-mouth. A licence permitting the transport of animals from farms to abattoirs was introduced yesterday.
Mr Walsh said it was "a blessing there have been no outbreaks so far"..