When did the requirements for cat to have a passport etc to travel to Ireland happen?

[batteredlanger]

I'm feeling a bit stupid as I was at the vets last week to sort out our flea problem and it turns out our cat needs his rabies jab and microchip ping and passport for our move to Ireland next month (outs self). So I've left it a rather late, but more annoyingly the vets seem to think I have broken the rules already, as he is an Irish cat that I brought here 2 years ago and I'm sure I checked and there were no such requirements at the time? We're there?

Were there. Sorry loads of typos. Hate phone.

They changed about Summer 2013 so you may have caught the tail end of it being okay

The change occurred in January 2012, but was not enforced till summer 2013.

Ah, thanks for the clarification LoneKitten. I was wondering how I brought my dog to Dublin and back at Easter 2013 with no requirements!

LoneCatWithKitten (apologies for the incorrect name!)

Oh good so I didn't do anything wrong! now I just have to brace myself for the bill. Actually now I'm here is there anything else I need to do? Does he need his own ferry ticket now too?!

Nope, doesn't need his own ticket! You just need to let the ferry know that he is coming with you.

Thank you everyone!