Vol. 491 No. 6
130 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the organisations, if any, he has met to help develop the export of the live cattle trade; the progress, if any, he has made on this matter; the plans, if any, he has to put a ship in place to help the trade; the ships, if any, available at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12880/98]
I fully recognise the importance of the live cattle export trade to Irish farmers. I am engaged in an ongoing way in assisting the development of this trade by maintaining existing outlets, seeking to ensure the resumption of supply to traditional markets and encouraging the opening of new markets. I have recently visited the Lebanon, which has emerged as a new market for Irish cattle. In this connection I am in regular contact with various bodies representing those having an interest in developing the live trade.
On the specific issue of the transport of live animals to the continent, the Deputy will be aware that, following the declared withdrawal by Pandoro in 1997 from the carriage of livestock, I sought and obtained Government approval for a once-off State aid of £1 million to assist in the start-up of a ferry service between Cork and Cherbourg to facilitate animal exports to continental European markets. This service was of great value during the critical winter months last year. This State aid is now the subject of an examination by the European Commission.
The provision of a further ferry operation over and above the existing services and which would be committed to the carriage of livestock to export markets is, in the first instance, a matter for commercial interests to evaluate. I understand that such interests are now examining the options available in that regard. I will continue to give every appropriate encouragement and assistance to them in their deliberations.
131 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of cattle exported live in the last three months on a monthly basis. [12881/98]
Figures maintained by my Department, for internal purposes, show the following live exports of cattle from February to April 1998:
|
1998 |
Calves |
Stores |
Fats |
Total Cattle |
|
February |
6,254 |
3,422 |
1,832 |
11,508 |
|
March |
11,334 |
3,172 |
5 |
14,511 |
|
April |
8,120 |
1,792 |
0 |
9,912 |
