Vol. 480 No. 6
195 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of live cattle which have been exported to the EU minus the United Kingdom for each of the past three years; the reason this trade is falling; his Department's policy on and commitment to this trade; the steps, if any, which are or have been taken to provide suitable ships to reach these valuable markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14997/97]
Exports of cattle to EU destinations — other than the United Kingdom — comprised 111,246 animals in 1994, 92,214 animals in 1995, and 42,469 animals in 1996. The main reasons for the reduction in exports have been the increased restrictions placed on the carriage of animals by sea in the EU and the effect on trade of the EU decision in 1996 to prohibit exports of cattle from the United Kingdom. My Department has always been of the view that no restrictions should be applied to the export of livestock from Ireland and that any trade which complies with the strict animal welfare conditions applicable in Ireland, as well as appropriate EU animal welfare conditions, should be allowed to travel unhindered to its intended EU destination.
The refusal of the principal provider of ferry services from Ireland to the Continent to carry most categories of live animals has therefore placed the Irish livestock sector in a wholly unacceptable position particularly in the context of a single EU market. However, the Government has agreed to provide assistance for the provision of an alternative ferry service which will carry all types of livestock and I am currently examining a number of proposals in that context. I am confident that, subject to clearance by the European Commission of the State aid involved, access to continental markets for all types of livestock will be secured in the very near future.
