The provision of roll-on roll-off shipping facilities for the export of livestock to Europe is primarily a matter for the ferry operators themselves. However, my Department is responsible for the inspection and approval of vessels for the carriage of livestock. In this regard it has, since the beginning of the year, approved four additional dedicated cattle ships and a roll-on roll-off vessel. All of the dedicated ships have been approved for transporting cattle to the continent while two are approved for markets further afield such as the Lebanon. This brings the total number of dedicated ships approved for the export of cattle to 17 and the number of approved ro-ro vessels to three.
It is clear from this that everything possible has been done to facilitate the carriage of livestock to our markets in Europe and the Middle East. During 1999 there has been a record level of exports and a record level of carrying capacity and every reasonable request as regards inspections and improving capacity has been facilitated.
Indeed the most recent figures available to my Department for cattle exports bear testament to the success of the efforts of all concerned in this regard. Live cattle exports to early December, 1999 are, at 386,243, more than double the number – 150,524 – exported in the same period last year and more than seven times the number – 52,000 – exported in the same period of 1997. Of the 386,243 cattle exported to date this year, exports to the Continent amounted to 304,605. This is more than double the number – 123,602 – exported in the same period last year.
In relation to the MV Venus, I am aware that the owners have, for now, interrupted its service from Cork to St. Malo and Cherbourg in France and that the vessel has departed for Greece for its annual service. At this point in time the intentions of the owners of the MV Venus are not clear. However, my Department has been in touch with the operators and further contacts are expected which should establish with greater clarity their intentions as regards the future of the service.
In the meantime my Department will continue to discharge its function in this matter by responding without delay to all reasonable requests for inspections of vessels to ensure that there is sufficient capacity available to meet demand.