Vol. 474 No. 4
29 Miss Quill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the action, if any, which has been taken by his Department to ensure that there is adequate boat space available for live shipments of cattle out of Ireland; the inspection procedures for such vessels; if he will give details of any vessels which have been delayed or turned away empty by virtue of such inspections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3085/97]
The new regulations for the transport of cattle by sea from Ireland which I introduced last February contain detailed criteria for the approval of cattle ships. Inspections of vessels are carried out by veterinary inspectors of my Department accompanied by independent marine consultants nominated by my Department and the Department of the Marine. Vessels which comply with the criteria in the regulations are approved for a period of 12 months after which a further inspection is necessary. Every opportunity is given to ship-owners to make improvements where defects are noted during the initial inspection. In such cases, follow-up inspections are carried out, if requested by the owner, to verify that improvements have been carried out before approval can be given.
Currently, there are nine vessels which meet the requirements of the regulations and are approved for the transport of cattle by sea from Ireland. These vessels have a combined capacity for the carriage of about 15,000 animals. I understand that another two vessels were found on inspection to have a number of features that required correction before they would be in a position to comply with the new regulations. Five other vessels that were inspected have not been approved.
It is not the practice to publish details of the results of inspections as such information is confidential to the Department and the ship-owners.
