asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is satisfied that adequate ships are being designed or laid down to cater for the needs of the store and live fat cattle export trade in ten years time; and, if not, what action he proposes to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cattle Shipments.
18.
It was for the purpose of ensuring that regular and sufficient shipping services for livestock will be available in the years ahead that the B & I Company and British Rail recently set up the Irish Livestock Transport Company. That company operates the livestock vessels and lairages used by the B & I and British Rail for the shipment of cattle. The agreement which led to the setting up of the company covers a period of five years with the option of renewal for a further five years, that is until 1980.
There is no shortage of shipping or lairage facilities for livestock at present. Before the end of the initial five year period the Irish Livestock Transport Company will, however, review the whole position in this regard. The B & I and British Rail will then be in a position to take whatever steps may be necessary to ensure a continuation of adequate services for livestock.
I might add that the cattle trade is represented on the board of the Irish Livestock Transport Company by two members of the National Executive of the Irish Live Stock Trade. No doubt the trade will avail of this representation to submit any views they may have to offer on the question of adequacy of shipping services, to the shipping companies.
Is the Minister aware that a number of the ships used to transport livestock are rather old? Their life may end in the relatively near future. It is important that new ships of new design should now be laid down. Will the Minister take steps to encourage the company to which he referred to order such vessels?
The Deputy is generalising. The B & I vessel used in the transport of cattle was built in 1960 and can operate for a further 15 years.
What about the other companies?
Some of the vessels owned by British Railways are in the position mentioned by the Deputy. Decisions, however, in regard to them will not arise until 1975. There are others that have a further long life in front of them. This question is being examined by the livestock trade representatives on the board.
19.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if the B & I company have plans to sell off their cattle lairage in Dublin port; and, if so, if he will give an assurance that it will be replaced by a lairage of a similar capacity.
I am informed by the B & I Company that they have no definite plans at this stage for the disposal of their cattle yards or lairage.
Is the Minister in a position to give an assurance that adequate lairage facilities will be preserved in Dublin port?
There is no question about that. At the moment there are more than adequate facilities available.