Vol. 446 No. 4
156 Mr. Connor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will make a statement on the ban imposed by a number of shipping companies on the live exports of Irish livestock to the Continent; and the action, if any, he has taken to resolve this matter. [2373/94]
Some ferry companies have ceased carrying animals from Ireland to the Continent because of pressure from animal welfare interests. However, progress has been made in putting in place alternative transport arrangements and animals are continuing to be exported to continental markets. The action of the ferry companies has had no significant impact on the prices of calves and weanlings. Animals leaving Ireland are subject to stringent welfare controls.
An EU proposal containing detailed rules for the welfare of animals being transported, and which it was hoped would provide a basis for the resumption of normal trade by the shippers, was discussed by the Council of Agriculture Ministers yesterday but agreement was not reached on the issue. The matter will be considered again in the future.
