Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 May 1999

Vol. 504 No. 4

Written Answers. - Live Exports.

Denis Naughten

Question:

142 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the plans, if any, he has to review the current regulations for live exports in view of the fact that many operators are finding them unworkable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11971/99]

Denis Naughten

Question:

143 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason the regulations regarding live exports are more rigid in Ireland than any other EU country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11972/99]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 142 and 143 together.

It is my policy is to facilitate the export of animals from this country whilst ensuring that the EU regulatory requirements are properly and fairly implemented. Given the importance of the live export trade to Ireland's agricultural economy, it is essential that we ensure that animals being exported from Ireland undergo to the necessary checks prior to their departure and are transported in a manner which takes proper account of welfare and other considerations. The record clearly shows that nothing in this approach is inconsistent with developing our live export trade.

There was a major resurgence in live exports from Ireland in 1998, with up to 180,000 cattle exported in that year. There has been a further dramatic surge in live exports this year, with total exports to end April of 115,000 head compared with 41,000 in the same period last year. On the basis of these figures, I cannot accept that operators are experiencing undue difficulty in exporting cattle from Ireland.