Vol. 512 No. 7
103 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the plans, if any, he has to ensure that similar legislation and regulations are in place throughout the EU governing the suitability of roll-on roll-off ships for the transport of live cattle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27214/99]
Council Directive 91/628, as amended by Council Directive 95/29, lays down general provisions of protection of animals during transport by sea, air, road and rail across all member states. However, standard provisions have not been laid down at EU level in relation to the approval of vessels. In this regard, the EU Commission is at present examining how transport arrangements are being implemented for the different modes of transport, including roll-on roll-off ferries, in the different member states.
In Ireland, implementation of the directive has been considered a priority, both in regard to fulfilling our legal obligations at EU level, and securing the continued viability of our live trade by ensuring that animals are treated in a humane manner consistent with EU law. The provisions of the directive were, accordingly, transposed into Irish legislation through the Diseases of Animals (Protection of Animals during Transport) Order, 1995 (SI No. 98 of 1995) and the Diseases of Animals (Protection of Animals during Transport) (Amendment) Order, 1997 (SI No. 326/97).
The Deputy may be aware that since 1996 my Department has introduced detailed national regulations in relation to the carriage of cattle at sea in dedicated livestock vessels. The Commission is already considering proposals for more detailed EU rules in relation to this type of vessel, in part based on Ireland's national legislation in this area. Any proposals in relation to ro-ro ferries are likely to be dealt with separately, at a later date. It is not possible to say at this stage when such proposals are likely to materialise, or the form they will take. However, the Deputy can rest assured that my Department will continue to play a full and active part in the development of any measures put forward as a result of the Commission's deliberations in this area.
104 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the plans, if any, he has to re-open roll-on roll-off cattle shipments to France and Italy which have been restricted due to the withdrawal of the MV Venus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27215/99]
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.
