Vol. 405 No. 9
83 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the present ban on the live export of horses for the continental meat trade, in order to prevent cruelty, will not be allowed to continue as a result of the lowering of trade barriers in 1992; the action, if any, he proposes to take to prevent the re-occurrence of this trade post 1992; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
At present, exports of live horses from Ireland are controlled by a licensing system. I am aware of the concern expressed in some quarters at the proposed EC regulation governing the protection of animals, including horses, during transport which is designed to cater for the situation arising after 1992. The measures contained in the proposal aim to provide safeguards which will be uniformly applicable throughout the Community and will be monitored by EC Commission veterinary inspectorate.
