Ivor Callely
Question:72 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the current position regarding animal welfare during transportation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16946/95]
Written Answers. - Transportation of Live Animals.
The transportation of live animals is governed by the Diseases of Animals (Protection of Animals during Transport) Order, 1995 which I introduced earlier this year. This Order lays down standards for the protection of animals during transport and gives effect to Council Directive 91/628/EEC of 19 November 1991. The Order makes general provision for the welfare or animals during loading and while being transported, prescribes rest periods and feeding and watering intervals during transport by road, rail, sea or air and requires that the persons who are entrusted to transport animals possess the necessary knowledge to care for these animals. Additional measures, as provided for in amending Directive 95/29/EC, are currently being transposed into national law.
As announced recently, I will be introducing new measures by way of Statutory Instrument with effect from 1 January 1996 for the transport of cattle to Third Countries. These further measures which are being introduced following a detailed review of existing arrangements, will complement and augment the welfare provisions of the above-mentioned Order. The new requirements seek to ensure that the live trade will take place in a way that fully protects the welfare of cattle being transported.
Ivor Callely
Question:73 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the number of live cattle exported in the first six months of 1995; and comparative figures for 1991 and 1987; if he has satisfied himself that this level of live cattle exports is necessary; the initiatives, if any, there are to encourage cattle slaughtering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16947/95]
Live exports in the first six months of the years 1987, 1991 and 1995 were as follows:
|
1987 |
89,933 |
|
1991 |
62,168 |
|
1995 |
187,690 |
The current level of live exports is determined partly by market demand, particularly in certain third countries which have a preference for their import requirements to be filled in the form of live cattle. It is, of course, also influenced—as are exports of beef—by the rate of EU export refunds. It is important that the levels at which refunds are set are balanced between the live and beef trades and, in particular, do not involve any disincentive to process beef in Ireland prior to export. I should point out that, arising from various changes in the level of export refunds in the course of the past year, the export refund on boneless beef is now significantly higher than the refund on live animals. In addition, the Deseasonalisation Slaughter Premium will be payable on steers slaughtered in the first half of 1996. These measures will be of considerable assistance to the beef trade in competition with the live export trade next year.
Finally, it is not legal under EU law to impose a limit on the level of the live export trade or any other trade.